Evans: Standard Better Than Ever

Reds defender Jonny Evans says the standard of football in the Premier League is higher than ever.

United could finish the season on 94 points, the club's biggest tally since the Premier League began, and yet the team have come under plenty of fire for supposed sub-par performances.

"The bar has been raised again," Evans insists. "Chelsea did it a few years ago.

"Whenever there is an out-and-out challenger the other teams have to be better than they had been before. People keep saying it is a great achievement for this team [to be where we are] but if you look at our record it speaks for itself.

"People say we have not been playing well but some of the football we have played at home has been outstanding. You can't always play well away from home but we have gone away and ground out results."

Victories in United's next two games - at home to Everton and away at Manchester City - would clinch a record-extending 20th title for Sir Alex's men. Not that Jonny's allowing himself to think too far ahead, mind you.

"It would be nice to think we can almost touch another winners' medal but we can't think about that yet," he insisted. "It can change in just a couple of days.

"Five points sounds a lot but it isn't when you think about it. We have to concentrate on getting over the Everton game first and still being five points clear when we play Manchester City.

"A Manchester derby is a massive game, whether a Premier League title is at stake or not. It is against your local rivals. They beat us at our place earlier this season so no matter what was on the game we would want to win it."

Despite United's upper hand in the title race, Evans insists City's players won't have given up hope of catching the Reds.

"Although there are only four games left their lead over us changed pretty quickly so it can happen the other way. We're just concentrating on making sure we get the three points and tick the next game off as it comes along."

First on the list is Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday 22 April. And although the Toffees came unstuck in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, they're a side who have enjoyed some good recent results.

"Everton always seem to be slow starters but they have hit a great patch of form in the second half of the season," Evans said. "They are above their local rivals Liverpool so I am sure they will want to finish above them in the league after losing to them in the FA Cup semi-final.

"Getting to the semi-final shows how good a team they are. It is going to be another tough game. It is a game where we will have to be patient because they do defend quite well."

Jonny Evans was speaking to ManUtd.com, BBC Radio Manchester and Press Association.