Evans Impressed By Blackett

Jonny Evans says one of the most positive factors of the opening month of the 2014/15 season has been the performances of fellow Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett.

The 20-year-old impressed on the Reds' pre-season tour of the United States and has started all three Barclays Premier League games this term.

The left-footed stopper has looked right at home in Louis van Gaal's newly-introduced back three and, to cap a pleasing few weeks, he was handed his England Under-21 debut during the international break.

Evans played alongside Blackett in the 0-0 draw at Burnley and believes the youngster has a bright future ahead.

"I’ve been very impressed. He’s left-footed so it’s been good for the balance on the left-hand side. He’s also a very strong and powerful lad, and it’s surprised me how good his passing has been. He’s done really well," Evans told United Review, the official matchday programme.

"I think, from the first week of pre-season, you could tell he was going to get a chance in the first team because he came back and hit the ground running which was good to see.

"He’s had that experience of going out on loan so he’s got experience which has allowed him to make that step up and start playing in a first-team environment and I think he’s adapted really well."

Blackett is one of five Academy graduates van Gaal has given competitive debuts to this term, signifying that youth will always be given a chance at Old Trafford, no matter what business the club may do in the transfer window.

"There are always Academy products here, it’s like a conveyor belt, and the manager isn’t afraid to throw them in. They’ve all deserved their place," adds Evans.

Two Academy graduates have bid farewell to the Reds this term - Danny Welbeck, permanently, and Tom Cleverley, on loan - and, while Evans is sad to see them go, he's sure they will go on to do well elsewhere.

"It’s sad to see Tom go out on loan and Danny Welbeck leave, but I think they’re two fantastic moves," he said. "The most important thing for Tom is he wants to play football the way he was doing a few years ago. Aston Villa is a great club with a great stadium. They have a good manager and Roy Keane as assistant so he’ll help him.

"I think Danny will fit in to Arsenal’s style of play very well. He’s under-rated in terms of his link-up play and the things he can do around the edge of the box."