Before Gerard Pique left United for Barcelona, the thinking was
that Evans would definitely be at Old Trafford next season, because
he and Pique had been identified as the two young defenders who
would shadow Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for first-team
places.
Now Pique has gone, but that does not necessarily mean Sunderland
can't continue toborrow Evans.
Wes Brown has resolved his future with United by signing a
long-term contract, while Irish utility player John O'Shea has now
pledged to fight for a first-team place.
That could pave the way for Evans to continue his development with
a third loan spell at the Stadium of Light.
O'Shea, currently on duty with the Republic of Ireland, told
reporters he is determined to earn a regular place in United's
starting line-up; half of his appearances to date have been made as
a substitute.
The Irishman revealed he would have been in line to start the
Champions League final against Chelsea if any of United's injured
stars had not recovered in time.
He said: "You just have to get on with it. The club has so many
players and in the build up to the final, the manager had every
player fit.
"He said it was funny how this happens and said he wished we could
play European Cup finals every week!
"Leaving has crossed my mind a lot of the time, but then I think
'where do you go when you leave a team like that?'
"That's an even bigger question. For the time being, I will stay
where I am and fight for my place."