Here Comes Jonny | How Jonny Evans has Established Himself at Manchester United

A Bright Start

After breaking into the United team during 2010, due to the long term injury of Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans struck up a successful centre back pairing with Nemanja Vidic and was eyeing up the spot permanently. This was following two loan spells with Sunderland in which he had helped the club secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The Northern Ireland international looked set for a bright future at Old Trafford, however as the 2010-2011 season wore on Evans lost his place in the team to summer acquisition Chris Smalling. In a crucial 1 - 0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in March, Evans was heavily criticised for his late challenge on Stuart Holden for which he saw red.

At the start of the 2011-2012 season Evans was back in the team, due to Ferdinand and Vidic both picking up injuries in the opening game of the season, the 2 - 1 victory over West Brom. He struggled to recapture his form from the two years previous and he hit an all time low as he saw red again during the 1-6 humiliation by Manchester City.

After what had been such a promising start to his Manchester United career was he already on his way out at the age of 23?

At the time most of the fans would have said so, as United had just suffered their worst home defeat in decades, meanwhile emerging defensive talents Chris Smalling and summer signing Phil Jones looked to be overtaking Evans in the pecking order. The general consensus was that he simply wasn't good enough to play for United.

A return to form

Evans was under fire from a majority of the United faithful; his rash challenge against Bolton and his defensive naivety against City made fans groan on seeing his name on the team sheet. When Vidic's season was ended in the 2-1 loss to FC Basel, Evans was starting more and more games as the reds were stuck for defensive cover. He helped United achieve clean sheets during a purple patch before Christmas where they beat QPR 2 - 0 and both Fulham and Wigan 5 - 0. However Evans was forced off at half time with a calf injury in the victory over Wigan.

With Evans injured and out of action, United suffered back to back defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. He returned for the following league fixture against Bolton Wanderers, in which United got back to winning ways and kept a clean sheet in a 3 - 0 home victory. Since then Evans has played in all of United's ten Premier League matches; they have won nine and drawn just one.

During these matches Evans has achieved some phenomenal stats. In the 2 - 0 home win over Stoke City, Evans had 91% pass completion (successful with 96/106 attempted passes) - 3rd only to United's pass masters Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. Similarly in the 2-1 home victory over Liverpool he registered 89% completion (53/59). His influence on the team was proving to be more than just stopping attackers; he was becoming the link between United's defence and midfield.

Ball playing defenders that breach the gap between defence and midfield, such as Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez and Barcalona's Gerard Pique are being lauded on the continent and widely regarded as two of the brightest young defensive talents around.

In the 5 - 0 away victory over Wolves on March 18th he capped off an impressive run of form with a goal, grabbing his first ever for the club when he volleyed home from close range. The following week in a hard fought victory over Fulham Evans set up Wayne Rooney for the only goal in the game as the reds triumphed 1-0.

This run of fine performances (including his goal and assist) led to Evans winning his first ever United's Player of the Month award for March 2012. His influence on the team only seems to grow as Evans recorded 97% (58/60) pass completion stats in the vital 2-0 away win at Blackburn Rovers, 10% of which coming in the attacking third.

Why Evans goes largely unnoticed outside United is a mystery, perhaps overshadowed by his previous poor performances or the absence of club captain Vidic, Evans looks to be having his finest season for United and his influence on the team has become indispensable.

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Match Report: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 - 5 Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 - 5 Manchester United

18/03/2012

Premier League

Manchester United put five past 10 man Wolves at Molineux.



After a month lay off with injury, Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia returned to the starting eleven for United as the reds looked to open a four point gap on rivals Manchester City. His return meant Ashley Young dropped to the bench as Danny Welbeck was chosen to start the game on the left, with Wayne Rooney and Chicharito started up front.

United were facing a Wolves side struggling for form, losing their last five home league games. However if anyone was expecting a walk over then opening twenty minutes proved anything otherwise, with Wolves matching United in all areas of the pitch. On seventeen minutes Wolves had a penalty shout when Rafael clashed with Matt Jarvis in the box, however the claims were waved away, in what was a coming together at most.

Just as it seemed Wolves were getting the upper hand Manchester United took the lead through Jonny Evans. After conceding a corner, Michael Carrick evaded his marker and with a smart run to the back post, headed the ball back towards goal for the Northern Ireland international to volley home for his first goal for the club.

United had the lead on the ground they took the lead at last season before falling to a 2-1 defeat, so were well aware of what Wolves were capable of. However the goal frustrated the hosts as Ronald Zubar picked up a booking for a reckless challenge on Wayne Rooney. United continued to probe but Wolves resisted well. This was until the 40th minute, in a moment of stupidity Ronald Zubar again lunged in for a challenge, this time on Danny Welbeck. His effort was no better than his first and he had to go. Wolves were down to 10 men with five minutes still to play before half time.

Wolves struggled after the sending off as United added a second when Wayne Rooney released Antonio Valencia on the right. United's number 25 ran the length of the Wolves half with the ball before smashing home across Wayne Hennessey's goal. Moments later United added a third this time through Welbeck, who fired a low shot past the helpless Henessey to give United a commanding lead going into the break.

Wolves were three nil down with a man sent off and in need of a miracle if they were to salvage anything from the game. The reds were in complete control going into the second period and it took only ten second half minutes to grab their fourth, this time through Chicharito. United's Mexican striker headed home a simple chance, as he went completely unmarked in the box, dinking home Rafael's cross.

It wasn't long before it was five, Chicharito grabbing his second as he hammered in a low Valencia cross. United looked like they were going to run riot, having five goal lead with half an hour still to play. Sir Alex Ferguson saw this an ample opportunity to rest some key players with Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and goal scorer Jonny Evans making way for Paul Pogba, Fabio and Chris Smalling.

Wolves used the United shake up to rally themselves when second half substitute Michael Kightly forced De Gea into a smart stop. However the pressure was short lived as United almost added a sixth late on through Danny Welbeck.

A comfortable win for the reds in the end as they open up a four point gap at the top of the Premier League. After the disappointment of the trip to Bilbao in midweek, United will be happy to return to winning ways.

Match Report Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Manchester United (5 - 3 agg.)

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Manchester United (5 - 3 agg.)

Thursday 15/03/2012

Europa League

Manchester United out of the Europa League after defeat in Bilbao.


After going down to a 3-2 defeat at home to the hands of Athletic in the in the first leg, United had to score at least two if they were to qualify for the last Eight of the Europa League. The red devils had been overwhelmed in the first leg and opted for a more experienced team for this clash in Bilbao. Wayne Rooney was selected as a lone front man to be flanked by Ashley Young and Park ji Sung. The flourishing centre back partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans were set the task of keeping out Athletic's dangerous front line of Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain and Oscar De Marcos.

There was an electric atmosphere inside San Mamés Stadium, and from the offset Athletic looked sharper and hungrier than the visitors. United were unable to get out of there own half as they again struggled with the hosts high tempo pressing game. After nine minutes of non stop Athletic pressure United carved their first chance of the match, as Tom Cleverley played in Ashley Young who saw his left footed effort blocked at the last minute by Gorka Iraizoz.

However the chances for the reds were few and far between as Athletic looked like running away with it as Muniain hit the post after some fine build up play from the hosts. De Marcos missed a tap in from the rebound to let United off the hook.

However it was only a matter of time before the impressive Athletic took the lead, as after 23 minute Llorente thundered home an immaculate volley following a pin point 40 yard pass from Ander Iturraspe. Bilbao were well and truly in the driving seat leading 4-2 on aggregate with United now needing at least three goals with just over an hour remaining.

The goal gave United a wake up call and for the following ten minutes the visitors rallied, almost snatching an equaliser through a Ryan Giggs header, which was blocked just in front of goal. Moments later United should have had a penalty when Tom Cleverley was nicked on the shin just inside the area. Referee Cüneyt Cakir waved play on to the disbelief of the England midfielder.

Athletic took their goal advantage into the break knowing it was theirs to lose, holding a massive advantage over a Manchester United side who were struggling to impose themselves on the game.

The unrelenting attacking machine of Athletic didn't take long to get going in the second half as right back Andoni Iraola jinked through the United defence with ease before poking his shot just wide of David De Gea's goal as the reds were just holding on.

United just couldn't get a foothold in the game and just after the hour mark Marcelo Bielsa's side had their second of the night as De Marcos' shot from the edge of the area was deflected past De Gea to put the Spanish side 5-2 up on aggregate.

United were simply being outclassed, knowing the tie was lost Sir Alex Ferguson made the unusual decision of pulling off key players. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs were all subbed as the weekend fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers seemingly taking priority. Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba were the replacements, seeing out the last 20 minutes. The promising Pogba made a decent account of himself in trying circumstances, seeing a powerful 20 yard drive saved for a corner as the reds tried to salvage some pride from a torrid evening.

Ten minutes from time they did just that as Wayne Rooney scored a fantastic 20 yard effort, curling his shot perfectly into the top corner of Iraizoz's goal. But this was nothing but a consolation as United had been undone by a fantastic footballing side.

United can now focus all their energy on retaining the Premier League title with ten games to go, leading the chasing Manchester City by a single point.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Premier League

Sunday 11/03/2012

Manchester United move top of the Premier League after comfortable victory over West Brom.

After the disappointment of the 3-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, United were looking to bounce back against West Brom. With Nani injured in training on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a forward three of Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck.

Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were also amongst the starters as the reds continued their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. The visitors began the game the brighter, almost catching United out when Keith Andrews poked a Liam Ridgewell cross just wide of David De Gea's post.

West Brom had taken a leaf out of Athletic Bilbao's book, pressing the United duo of Scholes and Carrick, not allowing them any time on the the ball. In the 17th minute West Brom were close to taking the lead when Keith Andrews' deflected shot was just turned around the post by David De Gea.

United slowly began to take charge of the game as the United midfield started to control possession. United's main attacking outlet was the combination of Patrice Evra and Ashley Young down the left flank, however the killer pass seemed to evade them. United were gaining momentum and seven minutes before half time United took the lead through Wayne Rooney. Chicharito cut inside onto his left foot on the edge of the area before firing a low strike towards goal and before Ben Foster could scoop up the tame shot, the England striker nicked in front, volleying home from six yards.

After a slow start United had a deserved lead going into the break, but at just one goal there was still everything to play for in the second half. West Brom came out of the blocks brightly again, looking to get back into the match. Ten minutes in United were inches away from making it two, as Chicharito wormed himself into shooting position on the edge of the area but the Mexican striker saw his powerful shot crash against the post as the visitors cleared.

West Brom were building up a head of steam and on the hour Gabriel Tamas stung the gloves of David De Gea from long range. This wasn't to last, as minutes later the Baggies were down to ten. Jonas Ollson flew in late on Chicharito as United were looking to break, collecting his second yellow of the afternoon.

With the red came the end of the West Brom fight back with United completely dominated the match. Five minutes after the sending off United made it two, as Ashley Young was brought down in the area by Keith Andrews. Wayne Rooney despatched the spot kick confidently giving United a two goal cushion.

Following the goal the Red Devils brought on starlet Paul Pogba for veteran Paul Scholes, the young French midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club as contract negotiations between player and club have stumbled over recent weeks. This didn't seem to affect him as he played well for the final 20 minutes of the game.

Ashley Young almost made it three late on skewing his headed effort wide from a Chicharito cross. Before full time the home crowd erupted as new filtered in of Manchester City going behind against Swansea.

The Reds saw the game out at two nil as they take a huge step towards their 20th League title, moving to the summit of the table.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Europa League

08/03/2012

United's indifferent European form continues as they leave it all to do after home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Manchester United were looking for an improvement on their last Europa League game where they went down 2-1 at home to Ajax. Sir Alex Ferguson picked an experimental side as the likes of Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Nani made way for Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Park Ji Sung.

However with Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs in the starting line up, the manager will have been confident to get a result against the Spanish outfit. Athletic started the game on the front foot, keeping possession well and cutting through United's defence with relative ease. The centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as well as David De Gea had their work cut out to keep the score level in the early stages.

After withstanding 20 minutes of Athletic pressure United managed to take the lead. On a rare counter attack Chicharito carried the ball into the area, feinted onto his left foot and fired a low strike towards goal. Gorka Iraizoz only managed to parry the shot which Wayne Rooney hammered home from close range.

United had the lead but Athletic instantly resumed their dominance. Merkel Susaeta had a great opportunity to level things up as he got in behind the United defence, he opted for an audacious chip from 25 yards which beat De Gea, but also beat the post bouncing narrowly wide.

This was a big let off for the home side who couldn't contain Athletic. Moments later De Gea was forced into a smart low stop as the visitors were getting closer and closer. Just as it seemed United were going to hold on 'till half time Fernando Llorente esacped his marker, Phil Jones and headed home a fine Susaeta cross. It was the least Bilbao had deserved as they had been by far the better team.

If United had been told to enforce a stronger position in the game in the second half then it didn't work as Athletic instantly fell back into their rhythm. Four minutes in David De Gea saved United again turning a Muniain drive around the post. There was only one team that looked like winning the game and for once into wasn't the Old Trafford side. on the 52nd minute De Gea pulled off yet another save, repelling a Llorente shot that was destined for the top corner.

After 70 minutes Athletic did grab the lead as Oscar De Marcos got in behind the United defence again placing a low shot past De Gea. Replays showed the Bilbao man was off side, but it was the least the visitors deserved.

Just as it seemed the game was going to fizzle out, De Marcos zipped a shot across the face of goal which De Gea parried back into play. United defender Rafael should have been able to clear the loose ball but a lack of concentration meant Muniain got to the ball first smashing the ball into the roof of the net to strike United with a sickening blow. With United 3-1 down at home it looked like the tie was as good as over.

With seconds of stoppage time remaining United had a life line as De Marcos handled in the area to give United a penalty. Rooney despatched confidently to slightly reduce United's blushes. A disappointing result and performance from the reds as they have to win by two clear in next weeks return fixture if they are to progress.

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Manchester United

Sunday 04/03/2012

Premier League

Manchester United keep pace with the league leaders with victory at White Hart Lane.

United were missing Antonio Valencia and Tom Cleverley through injury for the trip to North London, however Spurs themselves were without key players, with Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart missing through injury. The hosts were also without Scott Parker who was sent off against Arsenal last weekend.

Wayne Rooney returned to the starting line up after missing United's last two fixtures with a throat infection. United named an unchanged back four from the side that defeated Norwich last weekend, with Ashley Young chosen ahead of Ryan Giggs in midfield.

United started well, edging the midfield battle for the first ten minutes of play. However the home side soon imposed themselves on the game pressuring well, not allowing United's midfield duo of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes time or space with the ball. This led to a sustained period of first half pressure for Spurs in which they won a number of corners and dominated possession. They had the visitors on the ropes and thought they had opened the scoring when Emmanuel Adebayor back-heeled the ball into the net. However referee Martin Atkinson ruled the effort out for hand ball by the Togolese striker.

United would have been lucky to go into the break on level terms, so when on the stroke of half time Wayne Rooney headed home Ashley Young's corner United will have been delighted to now be going to the break with the lead.

Spurs had out muscled the Red Devils all over the pitch, and despite United holding the lead they would need to improve their performance to avoid getting overrun by Spurs in the second period. Tottenham started the second half where they left off pushing United back deep into their own half, with centre halves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans having to be at the top of their game to continually keep the hosts at bay.

Just six minutes after the restart David De Gea had to react quickly to keep out Jake Livermore's shot which took a late deflection of Louis Saha, with the young Spaniard just managing to turn the chance round the post for yet another Spurs corner.

Moments later they came even closer as Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw his left footed free-kick strike the top of bar. As the hour mark approached Spurs were finally looking like making a breakthrough, when on a rare counter attack Nani managed to get in behind the Tottenham defence. The Portuguese winger fired a cross into the box, Kyle Walker's attempted clearance fell to Ashley Young, whose precision volley gave United a two goal advantage.

After all their hard work and endeavour, Spurs now found themselves two goals down, despite playing the better football. This seemed to effect their game as United now found them selves in the ascendency, taking only another nine minutes to grab their third. It was Ashley Young again, curling a beautiful right footed effort in to the top of Brad Friedel's goal after he had found himself with time on the ball 25 yards from goal.

Spurs were deflated, three goals down with just 20 minutes of the game remaining. The visitors had the lead and were more than happy to keep hold of the ball with some neat and tidy play.

This continued until the 87th minute when second half substitute Jermain Defoe intercepted a loose pass from Ryan Giggs firing a 20 yard effort beyond David De Gea to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Spurs attempted to rally for the final few minutes of play, but it was too little too late as United moved back to within two points of the top with an impressive win at White Hart Lane, inflicting only Tottenham's second home league defeat of the season.

Match Report: Norwich City 1 - 2 Manchester United

Norwich City 1 - 2 Manchester United

Sunday 26/02/2012

Premier League

Ryan Giggs snatches all three points for United on his 900th appearance for the club.

For the second game running Wayne Rooney was not fit enough for the squad as United were looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points. Chicharito partnered Danny Welbeck up front in Rooney's absence as Dimitar Berbatov was dropped to the bench.

Paul Scholes was selected along side Ryan Giggs who was making his 900th appearance for the reds. And it was Scholes who made an instant impact, heading home a Nani cross from close range after just seven minutes.

Norwich were struggling to contain United as Danny Welbeck almost made it two as John Ruddy just managed to turn his shot around the post. Despite this early pressure the home side slowly began to get a foothold in the game and were increasingly looking the more likely to score as David De Gea had to be sharp, repelling brilliantly with his feet from a close range Anthony Pilkington shot.

Norwich forced De Gea into another good save as he reacted quickly to hold onto a Grant Holt effort. United managed to hold on to the lead going into half time, Alex Ferguson must have been disappointed that after such a bright start his side were unable to put the game to bed. Norwich seemed determined to not give United an easy time of it as they began the second half how the left off in the first, pushing the visitors deep into their own half.

Norwich's attacking threat was being kept at bay by impressive defensive performances from David De Gea and Jonny Evans. In the 65th minute United had another great chance to go ahead as Danny Welbeck saw his chip over Ruddy cleared off the line by Zak Whitbread. Ten minutes later United came close again, this time denied by the crossbar as Ryan Giggs's volley thundered against the woodwork from a Phil Jones cross.

Going into the last ten minutes of the tie Norwich again upped the tempo, firstly Aaron Wilbraham's long range effort forced De Gea into another good save, before Grant Holt turned Rio Ferdinand in the box before firing into the top corner of goal.

Norwich more than deserved their equaliser as United now only had seven minutes to find a winner. Just two minutes later Welbeck should have had it, as he got onto the end of a fantastic Ryan Giggs cross, only to head wide. Just as it seemed that Norwich had done enough to earn the draw, Ryan Giggs popped up at the far post flicking home a superb Ashley Young cross from close range.

The 1,500 travelling United fans went wild inside Carrow Road as they snatched all three points at the death courtesy of their talismanic Welshman Ryan Giggs.