As Sir Alex Ferguson floods his team with another raft of young talents, Jonny Evans concedes that, even at 23, the time is right …

As Sir Alex Ferguson floods his team with another raft of young talents, Jonny Evans concedes that, even at 23, the time is right for him to take on greater responsibility.

The Northern Ireland international is senior to the likes of David De Gea, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and the da Silva twins in the Reds' defensive ranks, and his performances to date in 2011/12 have oozed a promising maturity.

"It is hard to believe Phil is only 19, Chris is 21, David De Gea is 20," he said. "We have the Da Silva brothers. It is crazy. It has given the young players an incentive to step up to the mark. You cannot be a kid anymore and sit back and let things happen. You have to stamp your authority on the team."

After two impressive seasons in the Reds' first team, Evans endured a difficult lull in form midway through 2010/11. Having bounced back successfully, he admits he began to second-guess Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for him.

"I didn't hit the form that I wanted to hit," he admitted. "I went away and thought maybe I have another year, if I had another season like that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around. I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for Manchester United.

"I went away, thought about it. I have gone back to basics and worked hard. In the back of my mind, I knew there were things I needed to do, not just on the training pitch, but in the gym, things like that, to keep me ticking over, so when the manager does call on you, you are ready.

"No matter who the manager gets rid of, or signs, there are so many players who can step into so many different positions it is crazy. There are lads coming through the youth team. There is so much competition. If you are not in his plans he will move you on. If you are here you have a great chance of being involved."

Evans relishes responsibility

14TH SEP 2011

Share

LATEST NEWS

ARCHIVE