Manchester United haven’t had much luck with our defensive injuries this season, with Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Rafael all already missing games through injury, whilst Jonny Evans has limped off and conceded he will need surgery sooner or later.

Hopefully Evans should be fine to face Arsenal at the weekend, partnered by Vidic, and this is a challenge our young defender relishes.

“Sometimes playing against bigger teams is a bit easier,” said Evans. “You are playing against better players and it raises your concentration levels. You think about the game a bit more. Concentration is a big part of defending. You need to keep switched on to do your job properly.”

Last season Evans played in both games against Chelsea, the away leg against Inter Milan, the League Cup final victory over Tottenham, and our crucial final home game of the season against Arsenal which saw us lift the Premiership trophy.

“I didn’t expect to play so many games last season,” he added. “But I didn’t expect Rio to have the problem with his back or Vidic to get suspended for a couple of games. It got me into the team for a while, so there was a bit of luck involved. But getting into the team lifts your confidence and self-belief. There was a bit of a blip when people started to look at my performances a lot more, so it can go both ways. But overall it was a great experience. But I also know there are plenty of things I need to add to my game before I even think about becoming a top-class centre back at United.”




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