• Defender says last season was most difficult of his
career
• 'Another season like that and the manager wouldn't want me'
Jonny Evans has admitted he must improve at
Manchester
United this season or face the
probability of it being his last.
The Northern Ireland international has certainly started well
enough, retaining his place for the record win over Arsenal after
stepping in for the injured Rio Ferdinand in the previous week's
win against Tottenham.
But Evans knows he must maintain his current form in order to
avoid a repeat of last season's disappointments. "Of the three
seasons since I came back from Sunderland, the last one was my most
difficult," he said. "I didn't hit the form I wanted. I went away
and thought maybe I have another year, if I had another season like
that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around.
"I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for
Manchester United so I have gone back to basics and worked
hard."
Evans was confident he would get that extra year and Ferguson
would not make a judgement based on a single poor season. The
departures of Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland were a
further hint in that direction, although Evans realised he could
not afford to take anything for granted.
"The manager never said anything to me and I never went to see
him," he said. "I was pretty confident the manager wouldn't get rid
of me. I have always thought he has a bit of faith in me. Maybe you
do have the odd doubt but I thought it would have been unfair if I
had left, considering the two seasons I had before.
"Last year wasn't a total disaster. There were times when I did
feel good and others where I felt I needed that level of
consistency every week.
"I was on holiday when I heard John and Wes were in talks with
Sunderland and would be leaving. It did make me think there was
room but no matter who the manager gets rid of, or signs, there are
so many players who can step into so many different positions it is
crazy.
"If you are not in his plans he will move you on. If you are
here you have a great chance of being involved."