Evans Ready For Big Guns

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is relishing the opportunity to test his mettle against some top quality opposition as the Reds prepare to embark on Tour 2014, presented by Aon.

The Ulsterman, who missed the tail-end of last season through injury, can't wait to get back in action and believes the squad, who fly out to the United States on Friday, will benefit from the calibre of this year's opponents on tour.

“Given who we are playing, we’ll obviously go there knowing more about our opponents than when we’ve played some of the American sides in recent years,” Evans told ManUtd.com. “Playing against teams that you know better is always a challenge and we’ll need to make sure we are on top of our game.”

United's first opponent in the International Champions Cup is AS Roma, who United will face at Sports Authority Field in Denver on 26 July. The stadium is notorious for throwing up tough playing conditions given that it is situated over 5,000 feet above sea level, but Jonny is ready for the challenge.

“I remember when we were in South Africa a number of years ago we played at quite high altitude, but you’re working so hard in pre-season anyway that all games feel like you’re playing at altitude!” the defender joked.

“If it’s warm as well it usually makes a big difference, especially during pre-season games when you’re trying to get your fitness. It will definitely help us."