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VIDEO: Evans' individual highlights vs Real Sociedad

  • October 24, 2013

Scott Patterson

Scott is the editor of RoM and has a season ticket at Old Trafford. He started The Republik of Mancunia in March 2006. Follow @R_o_M on Twitter or @R_o_M7 on Instagram.

Reactions to United’s victory against Real Sociedad
VIDEO: Powell goal vs Rubin Kazan

72 Comments

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Sushi October 24, 2013
He did really well, his passing and reading of the game were really mature and calm. He has that maturity about him that Phil Jones still lacks. Much more collected than Jones. Smalling is also another really cool headed and calm
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Evan October 24, 2013
Really impressed with Jonny last night, I think he's arguably our best ball playing centre-back at this point. Phil did alright as well, and I think those two are really going to have to step up to replace Rio and Vida, who I think will be leaving in the summer, if not before.
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edcunited1878 October 24, 2013
Evans has been pretty reliable for the past few years now, bare the odd fuck up here and there. But he's been through the wars in PL and CL. It's safe to say he's ready to be first choice along side a ball winning, ball clearing beast like Jones or Vida.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Full credit to Evans and Jones. Did really well. I have always been quietly confident Evans would make an impact. Interesting that Evans has been the chosen one for years, saw off Pique and rightly so. Credit to Ferguson for sticking with him. Credit to Jonny for having the patience and taking his chances with growing confidence.

A true United youth product. Loads of time for Jonny Evans.


Jones is catching my attention, at least in europe. Still have to be convinced about Jones as CB in the EPL. Love his style but remained concerned about his height. Bruce was also 6'even. Didn't hurt him much. Still have a sneaking suspicion that Jones will get used all around the defense and that the CB job will fall to taller lads for the EPL games. We will see. The next Bruce would be a tasty proposition.
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edcunited1878 October 24, 2013
Jones still has suspect positioning, something he should learn by playing there more often. He did it at Blackburn, but that's neither here nor there. Also, when he learns to use leverage and space and angles, he will be better. Playing him in his rightful place in CB will see him develop.

If Jones had the technical ability and touch like Smalling, he'd be world class soon enough.
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samuel - united WE stand October 24, 2013
FletchTheMan - the longer jones becomes a jack of all trade, the less he will develop into a top player. Height isn't a massive thing, I think he can hack it as a centre half, the premier league is changing all the time and less long balls are pumped up in there... Think jones has work to do in terms of composure and distribution of the ball but more games he plays there, the better he will get. I still think chris smalling is the most compete centre-half united have and he will replace rio, he needs to improve his ball distribution but he has everything. The pace, height, mobility, aerial power and when he gets even more stronger, he will be difficult to challenge.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Off topic:

Harsh, but well written.

"Moyes taking a match official to one side for 'clarification' after a game must be like dealing with a chihuahua's fart – not something you'd wish for as a referee or linesman, but essentially inconsequential and easily forgotten."

http://talksport.com/football/bill-borrows-column-do-man-united-need-go-down-rebuild-13102465362


NOTE: Links posted do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FletchTHEMAN or any of his global entities FletchTM incorporated and FletchTM LLC. In fact, they almost never do. They should be viewed as FYI, as to the views of people who report or make the news. Nothing more, nothing less. Fletch would love to debate items in the links with this simple point of order understood. Carry on.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Samuel. Cheers mate. You might be right, but that won't stop the team from using him as needed. Intelligence is the key feature of a CB, think we can agree on that one.

Used to go toe to toe with posters about the height issue when we were looking to replace Schmiekes years ago, then again Edwin. With Schmeiks we tried out a couple of short lads with Stellar international credentials, top shot stoppers, they didn't last long.
Fergie realized his mistake with Fabian Barthez and often spoke that he would never have another 6' keeper.

That didn't stop lads being convinced that we should take Cassillas or a load of other top European keepers. Fact is, There is a HUGE difference in height requirements in Europe vs the EPL.


Same with CB. Look around the top 4 in the EPL. Not a 1st choice CB under 6'2 in any of the top 4-5 and most of the rest of the way down the league as well.
I am well aware size isn't everything and will be more than pleased to see Phil Jones on the team sheet whenever the Manager needs him.

It is just size that (I hazard to suggest) might keep him from being 1st choice. Credit to Phil if he proves me wrong.

These numbers are in meters.
Nemanja Vidic 1.89 meters (=6'2")
Rio Ferdinand 1.89
Chris Smalling 1.92
Jonny Evans 1.89
Michael Carrick 1.88
Phil Jones 1.82 (=6'0") Some sites list 1.80m

You have to go back to 1995-1996 when United last had a 1st choice CB listed as close to 6'0
Steve Bruce 1.83
Gary Pallister 1.93
David May 1.83

Just a few from around the league
Man City
Matija Nastasic 1.84m
Joleon Lescott 1.88m
Vincent Kompany 1.91m
Aleksandar Kolarov 1.87m

Chlesea
John Terry 1.88m
Branislav Ivanovic 1.88m
David Luiz 1.88m

Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny 1.85
Per Mertesacker 1.98
Ignasi Miquel 1.93
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edcunited1878 October 24, 2013
Paul Scholes is 5'7", how'd that turn out?

Jones has the girth and mentality to succeed as a CB. Carles Puyol is 5'10". Thiago Silva - 6'0". Fabio "Legend" Cannavaro - 5'9".
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King Eric October 24, 2013
Ha and to think some clueless cunts on here, probably likes of John etc wanted Jonny gone not long back. Short memories. Great centre half who can play off both feet, pace, reads game and has toughened up .
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
edcunited1878 Cheers mate

Think we are talking about CB's not footballers so your point about legendary Scholes is missed by me.

2nd We are talking about ENGLISH GAME. Not continent

Cannavaro is a legend, in Italy, and rightly so. Fantastic reader of the game. Lasted 2 seasons at Real Madrid (just saying)
Puyol? Also beyond legendary. Never played in england.

Look at my list, look at the evidence. United in particular, and top EPL sides in general, go for a bit more height.

Just saying. Naught wrong with any on your list. But they don't play Stoke City in the mire in January.
Don't take my word for it then. Go look up Fergies comments on CB's height is one of his first topics.

Love Phil Jones, make no mistake. Just suspect he will be used all over the defense for the next couple of years and will get more CB starts in the CL and Cups. In the EPL, he will fill in as needed, my prediction.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
One more thing:

Loads of evidence Fergie was after another CB this summer. Ezikiel Garay (6'4") even said the contract was agreed only for Moyes to pull out this summer. Why was fergie after another CB if Jones had his full confidence?

Jones is a top lad, little suspect with the ball at his feet but is improving massively day by day.
Still really young as well. I have loads of respect for Jones. Just not convinced he is the long term solution to the CB problem. Suspect we will end up brining in another CB or 2 in the next 2 years. In the mean time, Jones WILL GET GAMES at center half. I am sure he will do well. Will he do well enough is the only significant question.
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The Truth October 24, 2013
"Interesting that Evans has been the chosen one for years, saw off Pique and rightly so."

Yeah, one of the most decorated defenders of all time, two European Cups, a European championship and of course a World Cup to his name to add to all the league titles and cups he has already won at Barcelona - rightly seen off by Jonny Evans! There's no place for you at this club Gerard lad now on you go!

Of course it could be that Evans wasn't CHOSEN OVER Pique and that the plan was for both to become senior central defenders for us until Pique CHOSE to leave us. However, as Mr. Pique did leave us history has been re-written to suggest he was not only a weak link but no more than an understudy to his former CB partner Evans! And of course he is rightly derided as complete shit on here. Quite right!
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Also, the issue we were discussing was height. Nothing wrong Pique there. Massive lad.

Most United insiders have said Evans was far better with the ball at his feet than Pique so Fergie decided to let Pique go. No body said a bad word about Pique. He has repeatedly praised Ferguson for letting him leave because at his age he was never going to see off Rio or Vidic. I have loads of respect for Pique.

Love his quotes about Roy Keane as well. Top lad.

In 2008, Alex Ferguson made a choice between selling Gerard Pique or Johnny Evans. He sold Pique.
We have had loads of top talent that didn't stay. What of it?

Again, you confuse facts with opinion. Pique was sold in 2008. Go harang Ferguson if you have the bolloux to do it. It was his call. But I am sure you think you know better. :lol:
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The Truth October 24, 2013
A choice between selling Pique and selling Evans? Were we desperate for the 6 million that Pique brought in? And it just so happened that Pique was desperate to go back to Barca, so that worked out nicely didn't it. Not that there was any question of which one would be sold anyway as Evans was lightyears ahead of Pique in every respect, but it's nice that Gerard found a decent little club to take him on after we deemed him surplus to requirements.

One has to wonder, when you watch an Evans masterclass like the 5-5 draw with West Brom, how many World Cups this young man might have won if he had been born Spanish. He'd probably be the one engaged to Shakira too, as he is also more handsome than Pique.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Off topic:

Away Gate part III: Did Ferguson really clear Rooney's name?

http://hereisthecity.com/2013/10/24/rooney-sir-alex-ferguson-has-cleared-my-name



See disclaimer at 17:54. Cheers ;)
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edcunited1878 October 24, 2013
Pique wanted more playing time and a better chance to become first choice. He was behind Vida and Rio when they were at their best. And Pique wanted to go back to Barca after four years. Evans didn't see a need to move and was patient. And Pique has been blessed working with Valdes and Puyol and having that Barca system.

Per Sir Alex talking about Ryan Shawcross:

"It always grieves me when I have to release a young player of great potential," Sir Alex wrote in his programme notes for United Review. "And Shawcross certainly fell into that category.

"He had the misfortune - though he perhaps doesn't see it that way considering the success he has had with Stoke - of coming through along with a number of other young defenders. (Jonny Evans)

"This was the era of Gerard Pique and we kept him at Ryan's expense, only I didn't know that Gerard was growing homesick and, soon after, he was telling us he wanted to go back to Spain.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Off topic again:

Patrice Evra call pundits tramps and France FA form a committee. Bit harsh?!
Patty can't seem to catch a break in France.

http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/tired-man-utd-defender-faces-no-action-over-tramp-comments

See disclaimer at 17:54. Cheers ;)
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
edcunited1878, Cheers mate, that's how I remembered Pique. Wanted back home and Fergie didn't stand in his way. Never, ever, heard it stated as a money issue. We would have wanted to keep Pique, and so it proved in 2010-11 when Rio, Vidic and Evans were all crocked.

Would have loved to have Pique, but the timing of his age and the pomp of Rio and Vidic was just not optimal for him to stay. Only 20 odd games for us says it all. He wanted off and Fergie agree.

Timing is the key word here. Shawcross took another 5 years to be recognized as a top talent and good on him. Interesting that United were linked with a bid for both him and Pique in 2012. Shows their massive class. Never going to happen with Pique ofcourse. But you shouldn't discount Ryan Shawcross.

United Youth, can never have to much of that in the team!
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Diego October 24, 2013
Evans' positioning is much better than Jones' which of course isn't that surprising. Evans has been great ever since 2009 and has great ability on the ball. To be fair to Jones, his pace yesterday was refreshing to see. Although a couple of times it was his own positioning that let him down but the way he recovered was good. Having to endure the snail-like top speeds of some of our other CB (specially Rio) Jones' pace is at least one attribute that makes him stand out.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Very hard for CBs and Keepers to break through from the Youth teams and reserves.

These positions don't come into their own until 24-26 years of age.
We bought Rio at 24yo
We bought Vidic at 25ish

Another example is of top talents is keepers. Anyone remeber Ronny Zieler? Reserve Keeper in 2008-10. Couldn't get a game.
Would have been the only German International to ever play for United if my memory serves 8O

Now linked with Liverpool :(

United have some top talent. Seeing through the years of 21-24 is always going to be a difficult task if they choose to stay.
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Raging Bull October 24, 2013
Nice goal by Nick Powell v Ruben Kazan. Great experience for the kid.
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FletchTHEMAN October 24, 2013
Speaking of youth!


Nick Powell GOOOOL!!!!!!

Wigan 1-1 Ruban Kazan.
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wayne October 24, 2013
Pique imo one of the most overrated footballers in recent times,never looked all that at Utd and most competent defenders would have looked good in the Barca side over the last 5 years or so.He's as slow as fuck I'd take Evans over Pique every day of the week.What he's won is irrelevant and I think he'd have struggled with the pace and physical side of the Perm,he got lucky
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John October 24, 2013
Captain Vida(when fit) alongside Evans is my preferred centre back combination for this season atleast...sadly, Rio got past it...Every player develop their game and cant be compared with each other when they were at 18 or 19 years age...To say Evans is better than Pipue is not only funny but also being insane!!
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Raging Bull October 24, 2013
Reports coming through that United may announce the new Nike deal tomorrow. Different figures being posted between 5-7 year deal between £300-420 million.
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Hamzah October 24, 2013
@the truth

Agree with you mate that Pique went on to achieve a lot with Barca but IMHO Evans is a better player, the Barca team were and are a very strong outfit with a midfield so powerful that they do not let you attack them, they had fullbacks and midfielders playing at CB and it didn't stop them dominating teams, my point is that Pique as good as he is will be suspect with a midfield as soft as ours, he is very very slow but makes up for it with his awareness and he is also a good passer of the ball but I honestly think Evans is a better CB but thats my opinion.
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John October 24, 2013
@Raging Bull...I wish Glazers would wipe out our debt with that amount but leeches won't..atleast, expect them to make few decent signings in January though coz they can't themselves afford to let our club miss cl spot...
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Rukky October 24, 2013
Off topic, but i think powell isnt making moyes' job easier at the moment; this kid scores fantastic goals 4 fun.
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dannysoya LOVES USAIN BOLT October 24, 2013
Evans is an AWESOME player. No surprises there. He and Jones were superb against Sociedad. Even Smalling's been playing well of later. This is very important not only because it means that we now no longer exclusively depend on Rio and Vidic but it also meas that we have one more midfield option in Jones in case Fellaini continued his poor run of form. And it means we can draft Jones into midfield and not be worried about losing our solidity at the back as Smalling is a more than able replacement.
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RedEric October 24, 2013
@edcunited1878

"If Jones had the technical ability and touch like Smalling, he’d be world class soon enough".

Technical ability yes, but Jones has better touch on ball than Smalling.
When comparing these two with their senior counter parts
Smalling is a Vidic type. More of a destroyer while
Evans and Jones are more of Rio fashion.
They have a touch of control and are calmly composed with ball
Can dribble passed one or two players before releasing the ball
You'll find that with Smalling and Vidic on field, our opponents tend to have many corners or throw ins close to our goal mouth and fewer when Rio Evans and Jones are playing
With more game time Jones will be a better one of the two, to partner Evans on CB
And that ain't to mean Smalling isn't good either
We are just far much blessed to have three spacial center backs
As of now Evans is in class of his own.
If any one get to see replay of our match vs RS.
Take note of his distributions up field. Two footed and spot on
If that's not world class, then world class has no meaning to me
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wayne October 24, 2013
John its already been established you're a Muppet,Troll and a complete and utter moron so thanks for disagreeing
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Jesper Olsen October 24, 2013
@wayne John and the truth are both anti Moyes with an agenda for all to see. More worrying was Scott's post on Tuesday somewhat agreeing with them both!!! It's all gone a bit Barmy on here!
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Moringe October 24, 2013
We seem to have very equipped young players now,,Nick Powell certainly among those,,I think its about time the like of Rio,Giggs calls it quit,,as in right now..we better start looking towards the future.,the only 30+ players who should keep for next season imo are Vida,Carrick,Rvp & Pat,,
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wayne October 24, 2013
You're the truth's little puppy dog always agreeing with everything he says and looking for his approval.the truth is a cunt but at least he has brains,you're just a pathetic cunt a truth wannabee,a little truth groupie lol you sad bastard
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WeAreUnited October 24, 2013
@wayne

I caught John answering to himself, I bet he was typing ans the truth but was caught up and forgot the change-up. the same way nbi once did. so no surprises there.
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wayne October 24, 2013
Jesper yeah I know mate Rom always get's infested when things aren't going well
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wayne October 24, 2013
WeAreUnited John's to stupid to be the truth mate he's just trying to be like him got some sort of man crush going on
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WeAreUnited October 24, 2013
@wayne

everything's possible her at ROM , it could well be.
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John October 24, 2013
@wayne...you are holding prev thread grudge, don't you pig??..still not making sense you bastard??..you are a cunt fat man!!..BRAINLESS MORON.
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wayne October 24, 2013
Woof,Woof,pant,pant, how I'm doing truth:ow I'm doing,throw the stick truth ill fetch it
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John October 24, 2013
@wayne...pal, you not only are 'thick' cunt but also sound like a 10 year old !!..haha, Dumbass!!
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wayne October 24, 2013
What did King Eric say a retard with tourettes lol
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John October 24, 2013
@Wayne..Bore off you pathetic cunt. End of!!
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The Truth October 24, 2013
@FletchTHEMAN

Listen pal I want to apologise. I wrongly assumed you were some little punk like WeAreUnited and went off on one earlier. That was before I read your message about being a time served red since the 60s. People can think what they want about me but I respect my elders and don't disresepect old skool reds (wayne doesn't count because he has the filthiest mouth on this blog! Haha) Anyway, just wanted to right that wrong.
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The Truth October 24, 2013
Respect to wayne for

1. correcting that little toad WeAreUnited and his campaign of lies and bullshit
2. admitting that I am intelligent!
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wayne October 24, 2013
WeAreUnited is solid and wouldn't surprise me if the truth operates under different user names just hard to belive he can dumb down to John's level
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John October 24, 2013
@wayne...hahaha..c'mn scumbag you can do better!!..never late to learn to take rough with smooth!!
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NBI Red Moyesy October 25, 2013
@ WeAreUnited - Ha. You funny shit stirring cunt. Carry on with your pathetic crusade Sir. Childish little twat, you must be a nightmare at kindergarten. You are just still having a sulk as I asked if you were another moniker that ended sentences the same way. It was a question not an accusation so get over it. And I wasn't the only one mind you.

Evans has definately impressed this season and seems determined to take him chance. I would love to see him with Smalling though Jones is growing into the role I just think Smalling offers more at CD.

@ John - Agree Evans & Vida are probably our strongest pairing right now, Rio hasn't looked like himself but then again Vida has been making a few errors too.

@ RedEric - I would say Smalling is more like Rio. He is elegant and relies more on his reading of the game to intercept, has very good technical ability and is a better choice on RB than Jones for that reason. He is very quick, reads the game well, but can also bomb up and initiate attacks, he is also like Vida and excelled header. I don't think Jones has better technical ability that Smalling. But they are both looking very good at CD.
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NBI Red Moyesy October 25, 2013
Mark Hughes tells Moyes lose one more game and you're out of the title. Well, obviously we will lose another game at some point, but its more a case of how many points our competition drop and how we do against the top teams.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2474905/Manchester-United-afford-defeat-says-Mark-Hughes.html
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