The importance of Jonny Evans to United

When Vidic ruptured his cruciate ligaments in Basel, it effectively ended the United captain’s involvement for the rest of the season. Every United fan feared the worst after Vidic’s injury. The colossal presence of the captain was expected to be sorely missed. Sir Alex mentioned “When I heard Vidic might be out for the season, I admit my heart sank a little”. Some people even predicted that this loss might end United’s challenge for trophies. Fast forward four months and United are the frontrunners for the 20^th premier league title. One of the key reasons for this can be attributed to the ascent of Jonny Evans.

Jonny Evans, a product from United’s famed youth academy was considered a big talent back in 2008. He had very good loan spells with Sunderland and Royal Antwerp and returned home for the start of 2008-09 season. When Sir Alex sold Pique to Barcelona and retained Evans, he certainly knew what he was doing. Evans had a solid debut season and put on many fine displays when called upon. He suffered the “second season syndrome” and his performances began to plummet. He was poor throughout the season and it seemed that his Old Trafford days were numbered. He was down the pecking order below Vidic, Ferdinand and Smalling. After the signing of Phil Jones last summer, Evans faced even more competition for the centre back spot. Things went bad to worse when he received his marching order in the Manchester derby that led to a 6-1 mauling at the hands of Manchester City. After Vidic’s injury in the champions league match against Basel, Sir Alex had no option but to field Evans as both Jones, Smalling were starting to fatigue and Rio had his niggling back injuries.

Graph shows Evans’ successful passes,tackles against Chelsea

That proved to be a perfect tonic for Evans who grabbed the opportunity with both hands and made the centre back position his own. He started giving wonderful performances week in week out and his partnership with Ferdinand has been one of the best in the premier league this season. Since December, United have lost only three premier league matches and those came against Blackburn, Newcastle and Wigan. Evans missed out two of these matches due to injury. His absence was felt in both of United’s loss. Evans has been very solid in recent times which prompted Sir Alex to hail him as one of the best defenders in the country. Evans is quietly establishing himself as a squad player by bringing the ball forward and initiate attacks from the back. He has slowly but surely established himself as an integral member of the squad. The composed presence of Ferdinand and Evans has helped the defense to settle comfortably and it has reflected in United’s results in the latter half of the season.

Evans resurgence this season has been truly magnificent. He has started winning over his fans and silenced his critics with his performances on the pitch. He reads the game superbly and makes a lot of crucial interceptions. His presence on the pitch has become paramount for United and if they are to win the 20^th premiership this may, everyone can look back and realise how significant Evans’ contribution has been to the cause.

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