Evans On The Attack

Jonny Evans was arguably United's most consistent performer in 2012, yet while he seeks defensive improvements, he told United Review he loves playing in an attacking team...

How do you feel this season has gone for you so far?
I missed the first couple of games with injury after my ankle operation and I was playing catch-up on my match sharpness. I think I adjusted quite well and I’ve played a good number of games since, which I’m pleased with. I got injured at Manchester City so more recently it’s been about getting back from that, but I’m pleased with how it’s gone so far.

You've made more appearances than any of the centre-backs in the last 18 months. What have your gained from that?
It has given me responsibility, maturity and helped develop my game. Last year, especially in the second half of the season, I played nearly every game. I always say that the more games you play the more you learn. You can do as much training as you want but it’s out on the pitch that you really learn. It’s on the big stage that you gain experience. I’ve picked up a lot from being in the team and playing a lot of games. I also think physically it’s helped me develop. It’s a big ask on your body having to play that amount of games. Physically I feel a lot stronger for it.

You’ve just signed a new deal; does that feel like a reward for your hard work and good form of the last 18 months?
I don’t see it that you get rewarded in football for doing well, it’s just your job. It’s what you’re paid to do. Each contract that the club give out reflects how valuable you are to the team. To be someone who plays week in, week out is exactly what I’ve wanted to be. If the club come to you and want you to sign a new contract, so be it. For me, there’s no better feeling than when you’re playing football and winning games. No matter what club you’re at, that’s the way it is. The happiness that playing well and being successful brings, even just in your personal life, is incredible. Everything in life just seems to flow better when you’re in the team and doing well.

United’s defensive options look far better now and that increases competition for places. Is that something you welcome?
Yes. Even at the start of the season there were occasions when myself and Rio were playing most of the games when we had a lot of injuries. It’s good to have the other lads back. It’s not only competition for places, it’s more that there are so many games. It’s almost impossible to play every single game. You’d end up forcing injuries upon yourself by placing those demands on your body. It would take the sharpness out of your game too. The manager is good at taking care of that, but with some of the defenders being injured he hasn’t been able to do it that much. We definitely see it as a benefit having everyone back fit. It strengthens the squad and provides competition so that everyone is playing at the optimum level. I’m sure the manager is pleased with that.

Some of the football has been great to watch this season – as a defender, what’s it like playing in a team that likes to attack?
Well, the attackers wouldn’t score all these goals if it wasn’t for the defenders playing nice little passes right into their feet! [laughs] But the attacking play we produce is fantastic. We work on it a lot in training. We’ve got so many players that can change games and you only have to look at our bench: most of the players would start in other sides. That gives us great confidence. It’s maybe to the detriment of our clean sheet record, it’s just that we play such attacking football and everyone wants to get involved. We have maybe taken our eye off the ball with doing the basics defending as a team and having a good team shape. When it comes to the big games we definitely have that nailed on. Saying that, we’ve won a lot of games 3-2, which must be a record. It’s entertaining stuff and I’m sure the fans enjoy it.

You’re getting in on the goalscoring act too…
I know. I’ve scored [four] now this season; even I’m getting carried away. If I’m scoring then it must tell you something. It took me four years to get my first United goal and now they’re all coming at once. I probably should have had a few more this season.

You’ll have the pressure of family and friends putting money on you as first scorer…
Listen, they’ve been putting money on me to score for the last four years. They’re all absolutely skint! But I like pitching in with one or two goals because I feel like that’s something I’ve lacked in my game in the last couple of years.

Fans' questions...

Have you got any New Year’s resolutions? – Graham Archer
I don’t have any. I’ve never really done that. People ask if I have superstitions – I don’t. And I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I actually think a New Year’s resolution for me would be to get to sleep earlier. I’m not a good sleeper. I need to find something that gets me eight hours a night.

Who is the toughest striker you have faced? – Krishna Das
I always find it harder against the big, strong lads. No-one is going to have an easy day against the big, tough lads. There’s a difference sometimes between a good striker and a striker who doesn’t give you an easy day. Those strikers are definitely the ones you don’t like facing. I thought Jason Roberts for Reading was a big, tough forward. He’s hard to handle because you can’t get too close to him.

What are your favourite albums or artists of 2012? – Daniel Parker
My two favourite bands are Snow Patrol and Mumford and Sons. I’ve been to see Snow Patrol live about five times. I’ve seen Mumford and Sons twice now; once at Glastonbury about three years when they were in a small tent. They were just coming out and I tried to get my mates to go but I ended up almost on my own. I saw them recently in Manchester and they were really good.