Why Moyes Should Continue With Pairing Of Jones and Evans Against Sociedad

While the media and fans alike pick at what has gone wrong at Manchester United so far this season, David Moyes is preparing his players for the club’s Champions League clash with Real Sociedad on Wednesday. The tie provides the chance for United to open a gap at the top of group A, as long as joint leaders Shakhtar Donetsk fail to win against Bayer Leverkusen, and also inject some belief back into a team that has been clawed to pieces by the nation over the last few months.

The main discussion will presumably be aimed towards the midfield selection and whether Shinji Kagawa will get another run out, but Moyes will have a decision to make regarding his back-line. While Rafael andPatrice Evra are the natural first choices in the full-back areas, United have a wealth of choices at centre-back and will have to weigh up the opposition before deciding if Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who are both doubtful for tonight’s game after missing the 1-1 draw against Southampton, can return for tonight’s encounter.

Moyes is likely to give the duo every possible chance to prove their fitness for Sociedad’s visit to Old Trafford. The Scot should realise, however, that he has two more than adequate replacements waiting in the wings in the form of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones.

While Ferdinand has always been portrayed as the ball playing centre-half with the pace and composure in possession, Vidic has been the combative, powerful half of the relationship. However, as their legs age rapidly beneath them, they have found themselves exposed against the more nimble of players in the top flight this term. Vidic himself has already made three defensive errors this season which has led to two goals being scored and an attempt at goal, increasing the clamour of support for the return of Jonny Evans.

Last season was one to remember for the Northern Ireland international. He established himself as a Sir Alex Ferguson favourite in the centre of defence and proved to the fans that he wasn’t the calamity that he was once renowned as. In the 25-year-old’s 23 Premier League appearances last season, Evans won 63% of his individual battles – a number bettered only by Chris Smalling – and averaged 11 defensive actions per game. He also encapsulated the approach that Sir Alex Ferguson desired at the club with his 89% pass completion and chipped in with three goals – more than any other central defender.

Evans has found himself on the periphery of the United squad this season and has only appeared twice in the league, but when he has got his chance he has certainly taken it.

His 80% duel success surpasses is surpasses only by Kagawa in the entire squad, and he has averaged 16 defensive actions per game. Evans’ form over the last year merits a place in the side, or at least more game time, and Moyes will surely be contemplating his selection as the likes of Carlos Vela likely to be running at his back-line.

Another centre-back fighting for his place is Jones, who is still yet to settle into a permanent slot at Old Trafford. The 21-year-old is a real powerhouse both in the tackle and in the air, but his confidence on the ball and his ability to read the game has seen him pushed into the defensive position in front of the back-line.

Jones is more mobile than both Ferdinand and Vidic, despite his hefty frame, and has averaged nine defensive actions per game in his six league appearances so far. All of United’s central defenders are assured on the ball and the physical presence is shared by all, but to opt for the younger pairing of Evans and Jones in the centre and freshen things up may benefit all parties concerned.