Why this homegrown star is the future of Manchester United’s defence

While it was the surprising nature of the goalscorers that grabbed the headlines after Manchester United’s victory at Stoke in the Capital One Cup (Patrice Evra with his right foot and Ashley Young), the clean sheet was perhaps the most significant aspect of the evening’s action. Without Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand, in conditions so bad that play was temporarily suspended during the first half, United managed to avoid conceding, an all too rare statistic this season. For Jonny Evans. the Northern Ireland defender with nine GCSEs, all A* or A grades, this was a personal redemption.

Fast forward to Wednesday night and how times have changed. Evans was the senior partner in a partnership with Chris Smalling and the pair hardly allowed Stoke a sight of goal. In ideal conditions for the home side to cross the ball with pace, David de Gea was rarely threatened. While last season Ferguson tended to pair one youngster with one veteran, Moyes has not been shy about opting for an entirely youthful central defensive partnership utilising two of Smalling, Evans and Phil Jones.

Evans has emerged as the finest footballing centre half at United since Ferdinand. While Jones is yet to make a single position his own and is in danger of being viewed as a utility player and Smalling has struggled with injuries, the Northern Irishman has cemented his place in the side. It is hard to imagine Ferdinand will play on after this season on the evidence of his form in the campaign up until now and, if he does decide to hang up his boots, the club are fortunate to have a ready made replacement on hand. Evans can only hope his career proves quite as successful as his predecessor’s.