Fergie: Evans the New Vidic

ONE day he will be a regular Manchester United centre-half". That's the view of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Newtownabbey lad Jonny Evans.

Evans, a Northern Ireland international, impressed the Old Trafford boss with steady performances in defence against Villarreal in a Champion's League clash and in Sunday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In Tuesday's match programme Sir Alex wrote: "I take several positives from our form, including the performance of Jonny Evans."

"Jonny showed why one day he will be a regular Manchester United centre-half. A number of clubs have bid substantial amounts for him, but we have turned them all down because his future is with us.

"We have the strong partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic, of course, but he will get sufficient games to keep him in the first team scene and he will realise that he is at the right club, just as Ronaldo came to accept that at this stage of his career, United is the place for him."

Evans, who made his competitive United debut in last season's Carling Cup has enjoyed loan spells with Roy Keane's Sunderland and Royal Antwerp in Belgium.