Evans Wants More

JONNY Evans has set himself a daunting task next season - breaking up the fiercest central defensive partnership in Europe.

The Northern Ireland international wants to build on his breakthrough season at Old Trafford by forcing his way past the Rio Ferdinand/Nemanja Vidic combination that has been the foundation of a hat-trick of Premier League titles for United.

They have established themselves as the strongest defensive duo in European football over the past three years - but Evans hopes he can live up to his impressive debut campaign at United and give Sir Alex Ferguson a real selection dilemma.

Evans enjoyed an outstanding campaign, playing 32 times and earning a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

While his opportunities came largely by virtue of a catalogue of injuries and suspensions at the back, he justified why Ferguson has so much faith in him with sterling displays in some of United's biggest games of the season.

But he had to sit out the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last week and is set to find first-team opportunities more limited next term.

Evans, though, clearly has the taste for the big occasion and is aiming to stake his claim to be a regular in Ferguson's first choice XI.

"I've had over 25 starts this season and a few substitute appearances," he said. "Looking back at the start of the season, I definitely didn't think I would play this much.

"I've been helped along with a few injuries to some of the other players in defence, but I've enjoyed playing in some pretty big games this season.

"I've played in the two Chelsea games, which was great, especially the one at Old Trafford that we won 3-0.