Jonny Evans cannot accept total responsibility for Manchester
United's six-goal capitulation against Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson described the result as "an embarrassment"
which United will be reminded of for years, the pivotal moment
coming when Evans was sent off at the start of the second half for
a clumsy foul on Mario Balotelli.
The Northern Ireland star does feel bad about his misdemeanour,
but as the Red Devils were only a goal down when Evans made his
premature exit, the 23-year-old cannot see how he can be blamed
entirely for what happened afterwards.
"When you go down to 10 men you don't expect to concede five
goals," Evans said. "I felt guilty for the fans because obviously
it is not nice.
"I am a Manchester United fan myself. I know the hurt that was
felt by the people who follow United around everywhere."
Although Evans insists he was not worried Ferguson might make
him the scapegoat, there must have been a nagging fear in his mind
once he returned from his automatic one-match suspension.
As it turned out, Rio Ferdinand made way for the return of
Nemanja Vidic at Everton last weekend, Evans then retaining his
place for the midweek Champions League win over Otelul Galati, when
United kept a third successive clean sheet.
"It was nice the manager stuck with me, although one red card
doesn't make you a bad player all of a sudden," Evans added. "I
didn't feel I would be used as a scapegoat. I knew the manager
would make an honest decision.
"I am not the type of player who would sulk about it if I got
dropped. He is the greatest British manager of all time. Whatever
decision he takes, I will happily accept it."
What Ferguson would doubtless have been influenced by was the
mature attitude Evans adopted to his setback.
Even 12 months ago, the Belfast-born defender accepts he might
have floundered. Not any more it seems.
"Last season I had one or two games where I let things get to
me," he added. "My confidence went a little bit.
"I am stronger mentally now. I am more equipped to deal with
those situations and I actually feel like my performances have been
good this season."
Evans cannot afford to rest on his laurels though.
Ferdinand is clearly a man with something to prove at present,
while Phil Jones has already done enough in his short time at
United to show why Ferguson was prepared to pay £17million to prize
the 19-year-old away from Blackburn in the summer.
However, Evans has a special incentive to face Sunderland at Old
Trafford on Saturday after spending two loan spells on Wearside
before establishing himself at United.
"I have a lot of fond memories of my time up there and it won't
be easy," Evans said. "Sunderland have had a slow start to the
season but Steve Bruce has brought a lot of new players in and it
has taken them a while to gel.
"I am sure they will put on a big performance because Steve's
teams always seem to do well."
Wayne Rooney should be restored to a more advanced role on
Saturday after his game in central midfield in midweek, with Darren
Fletcher likely to be back in that position and Danny Welbeck among
those hoping for a recall.
Anders Lindegaard could also play in goal as Ferguson is mindful
of the Dane's status as second choice for his country, meaning that
he might not have a game for a fortnight.
The overriding aim though is another three points to maintain
some kind of pressure on Manchester City, who have failed to win
just once so far this term.
"We have played quite a lot of the big teams around us and I
don't think City have really had that," Evans said.
"They could go on and win all those games, you don't know. We
just have to keep our own run going and hope they slip up."