[BennyBlanco]

I actually thought he was having a good game sunday..... until he had to go off,and there in lies the true problem with him, ( and smalling... and jones.... and rafael), if you can't rely on these players for regular games then they unltimately need to be replaced (or at least relegated down to backups once more), we can't just keep waiting forever for them to finally stay fit for longer than 5 matches in a row.

When LvG mentions "We have 7 injuries this week!, we have 9 injuries this week" etc, it's always the usual suspects making up the bulk, not just for this season but honestly the last 3-4 years.

Rafael
Evans
Jones
Smalling
Young
Fletcher

You get the feeling if replaced this lot, our average weekly injury report would drop from 7-9 out to averaging 2-3.

 

[Ananke]

I’m not being funny here but like many others, your mind is playing tricks on you. He has cemented his place over the last two seasons, I think Fergie even said that Vidic and Rio could no longer be considered first choice due to Evans. He was a regular last season ahead of players like Rio and Vidic and he has arguably been our best defender for the last two years.

On form, Evans is a great defender, yes he plays better beside Vidic or Rio but who wouldn’t, and it’s not talent that’s hindering Evans its injuries. He hasn’t had a good run of games this season thanks to injuries, so how on Earth is he going to rediscover his form?

Another thing that annoys me is people are saying he’s not Rio or Vidic, not many players are.

Sorry mate, but our last two seasons were shocking. Even Ferguson's last season, our team was shocking...on the brink of falling apart. Ferguson did extremely well to win the BPL with that team. And the injury proneness is a really bad sign for someone you want to be in control of your back line.

To say he's good enough because he was 'arguably' one of our best defenders in the last two seasons...it's not a positive considering how weak our squad was. And to keep him on because 'his injuries don't allow him to rediscover his form' is wishful thinking. As I said he's 27 in January coming back from injuries. And we need solid defenders, with big egos, urgently in the center.

He's not worth the effort or the risk imo.

 

[sullydnl]

It's true that not many players can reach the level of Rio or Vidic but atm Evans can't reach the level of someone like Gary Cahill.

Plus injuries can only be an excuse for so long before they become just another flaw.

 

[togg]

The only thing that’s safe to say is that Evans is the new scapegoat, this is very evident in the blaming him for Leicesters first goal when it clearly wasn’t his fault. I noticed you and others have said that he’s been a liability this season when in fact he actually played quite well against QPR and Leicester until he got injured. MK Dons aside he’s done very little wrong. However no matter what good he does people will only focus on the negative, even blaming him for things he has no control over. It’s really becoming a bore now.

His recent injury has nothing to do with his bodies’ toughness but more to do with him getting a kick from a very aggressive Leicester team. We were a worse team when Evans went off, we conceded 4 goals after he went off FFS. No doubt had he been on the pitch all goals would have been his fault, actually, I’m sure there are some who do blame him for it.

Hey, it's

I’m not being funny here but like many others, your mind is playing tricks on you. He has cemented his place over the last two seasons, I think Fergie even said that Vidic and Rio could no longer be considered first choice due to Evans. He was a regular last season ahead of players like Rio and Vidic and he has arguably been our best defender for the last two years.

On form, Evans is a great defender, yes he plays better beside Vidic or Rio but who wouldn’t, and it’s not talent that’s hindering Evans its injuries. He hasn’t had a good run of games this season thanks to injuries, so how on Earth is he going to rediscover his form?

Another thing that annoys me is people are saying he’s not Rio or Vidic, not many players are.

I am starting to think you are Evans' brother.....

 

[Getsme]

Hey, it's


I am starting to think you are Evans' brother.....

Maybe I think hes not as bad as some on here are making out, the rubbish that has been talked on here is very odd indeed, it doesnt surprise me though.

 

[Getsme]

Sorry mate, but our last two seasons were shocking. Even Ferguson's last season, our team was shocking...on the brink of falling apart. Ferguson did extremely well to win the BPL with that team. And the injury proneness is a really bad sign for someone you want to be in control of your back line.

To say he's good enough because he was 'arguably' one of our best defenders in the last two seasons...it's not a positive considering how weak our squad was. And to keep him on because 'his injuries don't allow him to rediscover his form' is wishful thinking. As I said he's 27 in January coming back from injuries. And we need solid defenders, with big egos, urgently in the center.

He's not worth the effort or the risk imo.

What rubbish, are you just making things up now? He was very good in our last title winning season, a team that walks the league is not shit. He was one of the best defenders last season and as a back four we look more solid when he's in the team, Sundays result is an example of that. Yes the injuries are annoying, but if the club can get them under control much like they did for RVP then we will have a very good player.

To say he's good enough because he was 'arguably' one of our best defenders in the last two seasons...it's not a positive considering how weak our squad was

This makes no sense what so ever and just adds to the bizarre posts that have been made about Evans.

 

[Getsme]

It's true that not many players can reach the level of Rio or Vidic but atm Evans can't reach the level of someone like Gary Cahill.

Plus injuries can only be an excuse for so long before they become just another flaw.

I agree about the injuries, I've never disputed that. However some of the shite that’s been talked in this thread is beyond laughable. I’m surprised people haven’t blamed him for the other 4 goals Leicester scored on Sunday let alone the one he is being solely blamed for by some.

 

[togg]

I agree about the injuries, I've never disputed that. However some of the shite that’s been talked in this thread is beyond laughable. I’m surprised people haven’t blamed him for the other 4 goals Leicester scored on Sunday let alone the one he is being solely blamed for by some.

Evans is not a Vidic, Rio, Jaap Stam, Bruce, or Pallister...and that is what we need right now. Not saying he isn't an ok player...but just not in that league.

 

[Getsme]

Evans is not a Vidic, Rio, Jaap Stam, Bruce, or Pallister...and that is what we need right now. Not saying he isn't an ok player...but just not in that league.

And where are we going to find a Vidic, Rio, Stam, Bruce or Pallister, in fact where are we going to find four?

 

[FC Ronaldo]

Michael Cox (Zonal Marking) wrote a great article, it's predominantly Liverpool focused but it raises a good point about Evans.

http://www.espnfc.com/blog/tactics-...5/whos-to-blame-for-liverpools-defensive-woes

Liverpool's centre-backs are currently suffering from something similar to those at Manchester United, which we can -- slightly uncharitably -- term "Jonny Evans syndrome".

The Northern Irishman has been a fine defender for many years, underrated because of his cool, effective method of tracking opponents, staying on his feet and winning possession calmly. Alongside Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, he was often outstanding, but as the senior centre-back alongside Chris Smalling, Phil Jones or Tyler Blackett, he looks incredibly nervous and borderline incompetent.

Essentially when played alongside a senior defender who is vocal (Rio* and latterly Nemanja) then Evans excels - or certainly has done for spells in the past 3 years - however, when a vocal player is not alongside him, his displays appear to fall apart.

None of the players we have currently are capable of that. Jones has the potential to develop that skill but he is yet to establish himself in the team with authority, too often he is caught in a bad position or a run of form is cut short by injury. Smalling appears just appears short of all confidence on that front. Rojo no habla Inglés. Blackett is always talking to his credit but lacks influence and experience so far. Evans needs to pick up on this over the next 9 months or he will be the defender at most risk of being sold.

* Arguably Rio's finest quality. He was always orchestrating defences, positioning and generally vocally throughout games.

 

[Ananke]

What rubbish, are you just making things up now? He was very good in our last title winning season, a team that walks the league is not shit. He was one of the best defenders last season and as a back four we look more solid when he's in the team, Sundays result is an example of that. Yes the injuries are annoying, but if the club can get them under control much like they did for RVP then we will have a very good player.
This makes no sense what so ever and just adds to the bizarre posts that have been made about Evans.

You're argument is laughable. Take a good look at yourself and see how ridiculous you sound.

Let's break down your comments shall we. Unlike you, I like a nice debate with good understanding and actual facts. Opinions which have facts weighted towards them are nice as well.

What rubbish, are you just making things up now?
First of all, I assume you're responding to this.
-----------
Sorry mate, but our last two seasons were shocking. Even Ferguson's last season, our team was shocking...on the brink of falling apart. Ferguson did extremely well to win the BPL with that team.
----------
How am I making things up? Are you going to argue that our season under Moyes was not abysmal? Are you going to argue that the 2012/2013 winning squad was not one of the weakest squads we've had win the title? Are you going to argue that us falling apart the next season, was not somewhat based on that squad we had? The squad with minimal changes in the transfer window? Moyes played his part, but you're actually suggesting none of it was down to how weak our squad was? If so...no comment.

He was very good in our last title winning season, a team that walks the league is not shit.
I'd personally say he was good. Very good, I think is an overstatement. But we're all entitled to our opinions. Before you try and put words in my mouth that I never stated, not anywhere did I say that the team was 'shit'. My comment towards how shocking that season was for us, was directed at the weakness of our squad compared to squads of old. As demonstrated in the season afterwards.

He was one of the best defenders last season and as a back four we look more solid when he's in the team, Sundays result is an example of that.
Last season we were awful. Last season, do you remember us finishing 7th? Yeh that's right. The worst we've finished since 1989/90?(edited) Please don't state who was our best striker/midfielder/defender/goalkeeper was last season, because it's about as relevant as my FIFA Career mode.

As for us looking more solid when he's in the team, personally I'm on edge whenever he's in possession. Sunday's result is a great example of his awful positioning and management of our defence more like. Are you joking me? It showed he always has a mistake up his sleeve in every match, no matter how 'solid' he looks for the majority of it.

Yes the injuries are annoying, but if the club can get them under control much like they did for RVP then we will have a very good player.
Yes, good luck with that one.

This makes no sense what so ever and just adds to the bizarre posts that have been made about Evans.
You need to take your tongue out of somewhere mate.

 

[ricky-romeo]

Someone in the smalling thread says smalling is like an 'arsenal' defender. Which most probably defines as a good defender but will get bullied when things get physical. I just think i kind of agree with that and i'll add evans onto this list as well.

Shame because we used to have guys like bruce, stam, rio, vidic who you would worry over the prospect of them getting bullied by strikers in the pitch. Even the likes of wes brown and o'shea can take care of themselves againts the most physical of forwards but you just got the feeling that is not the same case with smalling or evans.

To make things worse they are very injury prone as well.

 

[Sam]

He's just not good enough. Squad player at absolute best for a team like United.

 

[Getsme]

You're argument is laughable. Take a good look at yourself and see how ridiculous you sound.

Let's break down your comments shall we. Unlike you, I like a nice debate with good understanding and actual facts. Opinions which have facts weighted towards them are nice as well.

What rubbish, are you just making things up now?
First of all, I assume you're responding to this.
-----------
Sorry mate, but our last two seasons were shocking. Even Ferguson's last season, our team was shocking...on the brink of falling apart. Ferguson did extremely well to win the BPL with that team.
----------
How am I making things up? Are you going to argue that our season under Moyes was not abysmal? Are you going to argue that the 2012/2013 winning squad was not one of the weakest squads we've had win the title? Are you going to argue that us falling apart the next season, was not somewhat based on that squad we had? The squad with minimal changes in the transfer window? Moyes played his part, but you're actually suggesting none of it was down to how weak our squad was? If so...no comment.

He was very good in our last title winning season, a team that walks the league is not shit.
I'd personally say he was good. Very good, I think is an overstatement. But we're all entitled to our opinions. Before you try and put words in my mouth that I never stated, not anywhere did I say that the team was 'shit'. My comment towards how shocking that season was for us, was directed at the weakness of our squad compared to squads of old. As demonstrated in the season afterwards.

He was one of the best defenders last season and as a back four we look more solid when he's in the team, Sundays result is an example of that.
Last season we were awful. Last season, do you remember us finishing 7th? Yeh that's right. The worst we've finished since 1989/90?(edited) Please don't state who was our best striker/midfielder/defender/goalkeeper was last season, because it's about as relevant as my FIFA Career mode.

As for us looking more solid when he's in the team, personally I'm on edge whenever he's in possession. Sunday's result is a great example of his awful positioning and management of our defence more like. Are you joking me? It showed he always has a mistake up his sleeve in every match, no matter how 'solid' he looks for the majority of it.

Yes the injuries are annoying, but if the club can get them under control much like they did for RVP then we will have a very good player.
Yes, good luck with that one.

This makes no sense what so ever and just adds to the bizarre posts that have been made about Evans.
You need to take your tongue out of somewhere mate.

So many contradictions.

 

[Devil may care]

So he's going to be out a month and Jones is out for another 3 weeks, so when is the next International break?

 

[RedMilo]

I am sorry at the age of 26 he should have developed into a defender with the commanding influence to take over from Rio/Vida, however he himself lacks confidence, you always feel he has a mistake in him, he is sloppy on occasions in possession and yet in my opinion after Jones he remains our 2nd best defender, which says it all about the state of our defence at present. Rojo centrally is not the answer at the moment.

 

[Fergies Formula]

Getsme is more than likely a young 21 year old who has never played the game, with a blinded love for a certain Johnny Evans.

Not really sure how long he can go on arguing that Johnny Evans is good without any actual basis for an arguement.

Your starting to appear less than great

 

[Getsme]

Getsme is more than likely a young 21 year old who has never played the game, with a blinded love for a certain Johnny Evans.

Not really sure how long he can go on arguing that Johnny Evans is good without any actual basis for an arguement.

Your starting to appear less than great

Most likely a 21 year old who has never played the game FFS, will you have a word with yourself. Saying that, I don’t play Football manager so you are most likely an expert on all things football
I'll tell you someone who’s played the game and rated him highly, Sir Alex Ferguson, or do you and other members of RedCafe know more than him? David Moyes also rated him as does LVG it seems.

Not one person has been able to argue that Evans is as shit as they are making out, yet I’m the one not showing any basis for an argument. What I’ve read in the last few pages.
He was clearly at fault for Leicesters first goal – Wrong, it’s been discussed to death.
He’s been shit so far this season – Wrong, with the exception of the MK Dons game he has played well, we've looked more solid at the back before he went off injured against Leicester.
Blackett looks more experienced – Wrong. He has made massive mistakes this season, that’s to be expected as he is young and learning.
Hes not Rio or Vidic – Correct, not many are, also we have to remember those two built up a fantastic relationship, none of our CBs have had a chance to do that.
He's injury prone - Correct.


I could go on but I can’t be arsed.

 

[devilish]

The hype surrounding some of our players is what got us in this sad situation in the first place. I honestly don't give a feck if a player is 'our lad', has 'potential', is 'a good player' etc. What I want is that such talent is shown on the pitch NOW and on a regular basis. If they can't produce the goods on a regular basis then they are not good enough

 

[Getsme]

The hype surrounding some of our players is what got us in this sad situation in the first place. I honestly don't give a feck if a player is 'our lad', has 'potential', is 'a good player' etc. What I want is that such talent is shown on the pitch NOW and on a regular basis. If they can't produce the goods on a regular basis then they are not good enough

If Evans, Jones and Smalling can't get his injuries sorted out (not talking about Evans latest one) then they should all be sold.
We crave a back four who can play constantly together, it's the platform on which all our best teams have been built. I honestly believe that the three mentioned players have the talent to succeed here, Jones and Evans started to build a solid partnership last season until the inevitable happened.

 

[devilish]

If Evans, Jones and Smalling can't get his injuries sorted out (not talking about Evans latest one) then they should all be sold.
We crave a back four who can play constantly together, it's the platform on which all our best teams have been built. I honestly believe that the three mentioned players have the talent to succeed here, Jones and Evans started to build a solid partnership last season until the inevitable happened.

More IFs and BUTs. These defenders has been at OT for quite some time. They have failed to remain fit and produce the goods for a consistent period of time. If they can't do that then we should sell them to make space for defenders who are dependable. Its that simple.

 

[Smoke On the Water]

Getsme is more than likely a young 21 year old who has never played the game, with a blinded love for a certain Johnny Evans.
Not really sure how long he can go on arguing that Johnny Evans is good without any actual basis for an arguement.

Points have to be awarded for his persistence. He's like a dog with an old jersey. Maybe an Evans jersey.

 

[Getsme]

More IFs and BUTs. These defenders has been at OT for quite some time. They have failed to remain fit and produce the goods for a consistent period of time. If they can't do that then we should sell them to make space for defenders who are dependable. Its that simple.

I agree, however there isnt much we can do about it at the moment, all we can hope for is the ifs and buts

 

[devilish]

I agree, however there isnt much we can do about it at the moment, all we can hope for is the ifs and buts

Lets hope we won't end up with another 'next year will be their year' situation similar to what we've had with Ando and Cleverley

 

[togg]

Lets hope we won't end up with another 'next year will be their year' situation similar to what we've had with Ando and Cleverley

Ando....you just have to laugh don't you really....

 

[devilish]

Ando....you just have to laugh don't you really....

Its not funny. This mentality is what brought us to this sad situation and even now you still find people who defend the likes of Evans and Smalling because they are 'young' and 'they do play well once in a while'

Id say we give a player 2 seasons. After the first season he loses his first team role. After the second season he should be out. We're a top club not a nursery, a hospital or a retirement house.

 

[Hed Zitin]

I keep hearing this garbage about him being 'very' good in the 20th title winning season. What games were you watching? I watched a season of us having to fight back and perform some amazing comeback victories because we were shipping goals constantly.

He was OK. that's it.

He's not some world class talent that we have to keep around. He's replaceable. He can't stay fit. Get rid.

 

[Ananke]

Getsme is more than likely a young 21 year old who has never played the game, with a blinded love for a certain Johnny Evans.

Not really sure how long he can go on arguing that Johnny Evans is good without any actual basis for an arguement.

Your starting to appear less than great

But no, cos jonny evans is great. Nothing else matters.

Actually, I reckon he won us that 20th title. He was our best defender last season too, amazing player. Hes in his prime now, when he gets a chance to stay fit, hes gonna be the best defender in the world.

 

[Woodzy]

We aren't in a situation right now where we can afford to give chances (unless your name is either Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia). We did a good job of shipping out some deadwood but by next summer, maybe even January, if we are not saying "look how good these guys have been" in regards to all three of Smalling, Evans and even Jones, then we should definitely be looking to show at least two of them the door.

 

[Getsme]

But no, cos jonny evans is great. Nothing else matters.

What are you talking about?

 

[Getsme]

We aren't in a situation right now where we can afford to give chances (unless your name is either Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia). We did a good job of shipping out some deadwood but by next summer, maybe even January, if we are not saying "look how good these guys have been" in regards to all three of Smalling, Evans and even Jones, then we should definitely be looking to show at least two of them the door.

If all 3 remain injured the only one I'd keep is Jones. For one more season at least.

 

[Ananke]

What are you talking about?

Just stating a point mate, calm down.

 

[Woodzy]

If all 3 remain injured the only one I'd keep is Jones. For one more season at least.

Jones is the one I would hate to see go. His potential is a lot more evident, and he's a very likeable player.

Smalling I would be fine with leaving, but it would be just our luck for him to step it up at another top club, injury free to boot.

I don't have much time for Evans anymore.

 

[Getsme]

Just stating a point mate, calm down.

That's why I'm asking, what point are you trying to make?

 

[Getsme]

Jones is the one I would hate to see go. His potential is a lot more evident, and he's a very likeable player.

Smalling I would be fine with leaving, but it would be just our luck for him to step it up at another top club, injury free to boot.

I don't have much time for Evans anymore.

Add to that, Jones is only 22(?) he's very versatile and if he can stay injury free then he could have a massive future.
I hope that all 3 can stay injury free, however the news today that Smalling is injured again has made me lose all hope.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Getsme is more than likely a young 21 year old who has never played the game, with a blinded love for a certain Johnny Evans.

Not really sure how long he can go on arguing that Johnny Evans is good without any actual basis for an arguement.

If you'd paid enough fecking attention to Evans' career at United so far you'd be well aware of his basis for an 'arguement'

 

[Kevin]

Just seen a picture of him posing in his golfing outfit with lush green scenery on the background. His posture: staring
wistfully to the side, showing off an unsurprisingly weak chin and insecure jawline.

Really makes my blood boil.

 

[Fergies Formula]

If you'd paid enough fecking attention to Evans' career at United so far you'd be well aware of his basis for an 'arguement'

Manchester united are a club that reward loyalty and promote youth, Johnny Evans is the epitome of this philosophy, however there is always a time when this ideology is met with the reality of the clubs present needs.

Johnny Evans is not young anymore, he is still inconsistent and injury prone and has never managed to get rid of the inability's which another defender may have overcome. He is still very weak, unassured, prone to a lapse in concentration and quite clearly a soft touch defender. Time has come to replace him with a world class centre back as we can't carry him anymore, he has had his chance.

Look at the current chelsea and city defence, look at our defence from our successful years - this is the manchester united standard, players in the top echelon, not Johnny Evans. We need to act now (january) and acknowledge our weakness. A lack of a mature leader in defence.

 

[Fergies Formula]

Most likely a 21 year old who has never played the game FFS, will you have a word with yourself. Saying that, I don’t play Football manager so you are most likely an expert on all things football
I'll tell you someone who’s played the game and rated him highly, Sir Alex Ferguson, or do you and other members of RedCafe know more than him? David Moyes also rated him as does LVG it seems.

Not one person has been able to argue that Evans is as shit as they are making out, yet I’m the one not showing any basis for an argument. What I’ve read in the last few pages.
He was clearly at fault for Leicesters first goal – Wrong, it’s been discussed to death.
He’s been shit so far this season – Wrong, with the exception of the MK Dons game he has played well, we've looked more solid at the back before he went off injured against Leicester.
Blackett looks more experienced – Wrong. He has made massive mistakes this season, that’s to be expected as he is young and learning.
Hes not Rio or Vidic – Correct, not many are, also we have to remember those two built up a fantastic relationship, none of our CBs have had a chance to do that.
He's injury prone - Correct.


I could go on but I can’t be arsed.

Ferguson retired 2 years ago and still didn't have Johnny Evans as his number one centre back. He was giving him the chance to develop and move on towards becoming the player we needed, he has never taken that chance and made the spot his own. The fact he is of an age now where he should be dominating games and still isn't is the problem. We can't keep waiting. IMO I never believed he could be that player anyway.

What makes you think Van Gaal rates him? We have been stricken with injuries and necessity has played its part here with Evans being the senior defender. I am sure Van Gaal knows that Evans is a liability.

You are too stubborn to change your opinion now, but when you see him sold within the next 2 windows you will understand then why your wrong.

 

[devilish]

Manchester united are a club that reward loyalty and promote youth, Johnny Evans is the epitome of this philosophy, however there is always a time when this ideology is met with the reality of the clubs present needs.

Johnny Evans is not young anymore, he is still inconsistent and injury prone and has never managed to get rid of the inability's which another defender may have overcome. He is still very weak, unassured, prone to a lapse in concentration and quite clearly a soft touch defender. Time has come to replace him with a world class centre back as we can't carry him anymore, he has had his chance.

Look at the current chelsea and city defence, look at our defence from our successful years - this is the manchester united standard, players in the top echelon, not Johnny Evans. We need to act now (january) and acknowledge our weakness. A lack of a mature leader in defence.

The United I learnt to love was a team who promoted creativity and quality football. A club which didn't cared about hype and was willing to give a go to anyone whose good enough even though that would mean letting big names go. SAF built a team of world class talent only to dismantle it when he felt that their heart was not set to our goal anymore and went on relying on a couple of youths who made the club history.These days we have become a bunch of cowards who hype our players to a ridiculous extent, cling to them even if they are not good enough and keep on making excuses for them even though they repeatedly fail to produce the goods.

The United of old allowed one of the best defensive midfielder of his generation to leave for 4.5m to give space to a small red haired striker who was moved in CM despite not having an idea of how to tackle which constrasts greatly to what happened with Pogba were the most promising midfielder in the world was left to rot on the bench while 36-40 year olds and average midfielders were given ample space to do their job in CM.