[Northstand]

His fall has been quite dramatic. There was a time when people here were not bothered about Pique leaving because we had Evans. He was so assured for his age that he looked nailed to become a mainstay in our defence for the next decade. His decline started when he began to get bullied by physically strong strikers. He then recovered to become our best defender for awhile, although not quite at the level he was initially expected to reach. Over the last few years, though, he seems to be in freefall and now he just looks a bit pointless and mediocre.

I'd agree with most of that, but take exception to the idea that this decline has been several years in the making. Like almost every player at the club, Evans struggled for form in the "Moyes year", but the season before was excellent for a large proportion of the time. It's clear that his confidence is at an all-time low, as he appears nervous in possession, and even more so when required to control under pressure.

On the other hand, I think he's definitely become the new club scapegoat since Cleverley left, and so many posters on here are now looking for any excuse to criticise him, when he is often no worse, and sometimes better, than some of our other defenders. It was particularly laughable that so many posters yesterday were outraged that Evans had the audacity to shout at other defenders - I'm pretty sure we've reached a consensus in the past that this is an area that's been lacking in our defensive unit.

 

[Ekeke]

To be fair, it's understandable that his distribution is poor seeing as he's playing on the left side of the defence. In this 3-5-2 formation when the three defenders spread as much as they do, it's vital to have a leftie on the left. I'd have liked to see Shaw there, would likely have improved our ability to carry the ball out of defence.

Evans two footedness is one of his main assets, its obviously easier for a left footer but he should be more than fine. The problem was that when he had the ball on his left side he wanted to play long balls towards the box, which tended to give the ball away. If he was doing that with his right foot he'd probably lose the ball almost as much. Its just an unlikely avenue for us

 

[Jev]

Evans two footedness is one of his main assets, its obviously easier for a left footer but he should be more than fine. The problem was that when he had the ball on his left side he wanted to play long balls towards the box, which tended to give the ball away. If he was doing that with his right foot he'd probably lose the ball almost as much. Its just an unlikely avenue for us

I wouldn't say he's two-footed. He's pretty good with his left but he is much, much more comfortable with his right. A hoof is the safer option with your bad foot, as it involves less of a risk of giving the ball away in a dangerous spot.

Plus, it's not just Evans. As a team we just don't know how to move the ball from defence to midfield in this formation yet.

I'm not saying Evans isn't having a very poor season, I just think we should give him the benefit of the doubt for now. He's clearly in a form crisis but he showed under Fergie that he can be a very reliable defender.

 

[Ekeke]

I wouldn't say he's two-footed. He's pretty good with his left but he is much, much more comfortable with his right. A hoof is the safer option with your bad foot, as it involves less of a risk of giving the ball away in a dangerous spot.

They werent hoofs though. He had time on the ball and looked up and played a long pass towards the box - if we were Stoke it would have even have been a good idea and we'd have had some success as, playing to the left of the 3 he was able to get some decent angles to play the balls in instead of doing it centrally where its too flat. The problem is that when we play 30 yard high balls towards Stoke's box, we're very unlikely to retain the ball. We needed shorter passes from the likes of Rooney, Mata and Carrick over the top to get RVP in not high balls like Evans' ones. But they werent hoofs, just the wrong kind of pass that made it unlikely to keep the ball.

 

[Jev]

They werent hoofs though. He had time on the ball and looked up and played a long pass towards the box - if we were Stoke it would have even have been a good idea and we'd have had some success as, playing to the left of the 3 he was able to get some decent angles to play the balls in instead of doing it centrally where its too flat. The problem is that when we play 30 yard high balls towards Stoke's box, we're very unlikely to retain the ball. We needed shorter passes from the likes of Rooney, Mata and Carrick over the top to get RVP in not high balls like Evans' ones. But they werent hoofs, just the wrong kind of pass that made it unlikely to keep the ball.

Whatever you want to call it, I'd still argue that he'd perhaps feel more secure in putting long passes forward instead of risking conceding possession in a very dangerous area by attempting a flat pass into the middle of the pitch with his left. I'm not saying it's the right decision or that it isn't a bit gutless, which is a general problem in our distribution from the back and not unique to Evans, just that it's understandable seeing as it is an awkward position for him. He's essentially playing left-back and while he did that at times under Fergie as well, it was solely for emergencies.

 

[Ekeke]

Whatever you want to call it, I'd still argue that he'd perhaps feel more secure in putting long passes forward instead of risking conceding possession in a very dangerous area by attempting a flat pass into the middle of the pitch with his left. I'm not saying it's the right decision or that it isn't a bit gutless, which is a general problem in our distribution from the back and not unique to Evans, just that it's understandable seeing as it is an awkward position from him. He's essentially playing left-back and while he did that at times under Fergie as well, it was solely for emergencies.

Yes I can see your point and I do think he's a bit awkward on the left of the 3.

I just don't think he should be and its more about his head than anything else. Bad choices because of a lack of confidence, not because a right footer with a good left foot can't play towards the left side.

 

[POF]

Thats pretty much how i remember his time here as well mate, though as i said i may well have been wrong about his form in 2009-10. I remembered his bad spell being later than that.

The only one of his early seasons i remember clearly was his first, he's never looked as good as he did back then since. But i still think he's been a pretty good player for us for the most part.

I reckon we will see a much improved Evans this season if he manages to get a run in a back 4 and not this abomination of a formation that we use right now. Jesus do i hate 352.

The way he's playing he has absolutely no chance of getting a game in a back 4 - even more so after Rojo returns. He's playing himself out of the team at the moment.

Those comparing his "errors" with Smalling marking Crouch are completely missing the point. Losing your man at a corner or being beaten in the air by a giant like Crouch is completely different from having a 5 yard head start in a sprint, losing the ball through lack of urgency and then dribbled past by a limited player like Diouf from a standing start. It is also completely different from letting every long ball bounce including one cross in the 6 yard box and playing a suicidal pass in the penalty area (after the Smalling handball).

One is trying to do the right thing and being outplayed. The other is being an absolute idiot. After the MK Dons, Burnley and Liverpool passes, his decision to try a pass like that in his own area was lunacy. Maybe it is confidence related but he is making far too many mistakes. He is also bullied by any physical striker. It is really sad to watch at the moment.

 

[Bojan11]

Countless times he gets bullied by players. Even last week against Newcastle in the first half, I think Perez was chasing him and he falls over, if Perez had played the right pass they could have had a good chance to score.

This year he's added dodgy back passes

But it's just predictable how he gets bullied by the likes of Diouf, Elmander, Cole, Zamora and other big lumps.

 

[Fergies Formula]

I'm glad that everyone seems to be in agreement now, Johnny Evans has given stevoc and Getsme a difficult corner to fight from here.

Appalling from start to finish.

The level he is displaying is comical.

And before it's said, I don't want him to fail - he has just proved he is not good enough for a long time. I want him gone for the sake of our success.

 

[Getsme]

I'm glad that everyone seems to be in agreement now, Johnny Evans has given stevoc and Getsme a difficult corner to fight from here.

Appalling from start to finish.

The level he is displaying is comical.

And before it's said, I don't want him to fail - he has just proved he is not good enough for a long time. I want him gone for the sake of our success.

The feck are you on about, a corner to fight? The fact you think it's a fight suggests you are looking at the situation from a completely different angle to me. You say you don’t want him to fail but are happy that ‘everyone seems to be in agreement’ that he’s not god enough. The majority of posters on this form might be in favour of getting rid, but they don’t speak for all United fans, you do know that right?

Further, no one from what I can see has said he's played well this season, however he has been nowhere near as bad as this site would have you believe, he is being used as the scapegoat and thankfully some of us have a memory that goes beyond this season. Football fans are so fickle, it wasn’t long ago that Smalling was considered the worst defender in the Club, now he’s seen as some sort of defending God by some, same as Evans last season, he’s went from the Clubs best defender to the ‘worst defender in the league’

 

[Kakeru]

People should be the ones asking you "what the feck are you on?", Getsme.

Evans has been nothing short of being too daft to take the leadership role while feck-ups have become a trademark of his game. When you see that from a defender at that age, you ought to be worried. With the way he plays and the way he dodges any opportunity to acknowledge he's been shit, it's not too harsh to say that Evans is turning into SPL material. If you want a case for comparison, look at Tom Cleverley; it's turning into a similar situation.

 

[kopviolator]

It's all black and white with this forum, isn't it?

His confidence is clearly lost. It's not as if everything he does is shit but fact remains that he gives the ball away in dangerous position once or twice every game. Soon as he cuts that shit out he'll be alright.

 

[Getsme]

People should be the ones asking you "what the feck are you on?", Getsme.

Evans has been nothing short of being too daft to take the leadership role while feck-ups have become a trademark of his game. When you see that from a defender at that age, you ought to be worried. With the way he plays and the way he dodges any opportunity to acknowledge he's been shit, it's not too harsh to say that Evans is turning into SPL material. If you want a case for comparison, look at Tom Cleverley; it's turning into a similar situation.

So, because I have a memory that goes back further than this season, and that I’m not joining in on the scapegoating that the Evans thread has become I should be asking myself ‘what the feck am I on’?

Evans made one mistake yesterday, thankfully it didn’t lead to a goal but it did lead to page after page of abuse aimed in his direction, where as an error from Smalling and Jones, that did lead to a goal was met with near silence, actually one or two on the matchday thread tried to blame Evans for the goal. And before you mention it, no he didn’t have a good game, either did Jones, Smalling, RVP, Carrick, in fact all but Falcao didn’t play to any level that could be considered acceptable.

I have no issue with moving Evans on, I’ve said it many many times, however I refuse to rewrite History and join in on the scapegoating and abuse that is being thrown in his direction, especially when he is getting used to a new system in which he is clearly uncomfortable with.

 

[IwatUwat]

Seems low on confidence has really lost that solid style defending that he had a few seasons back when he'd come in for Rio and Vidic and be just as solid alongside. I wonder if its cos he needs a leader alongside him to talk him through the game. And in a relatively (compared to Rio and Vidic) inexperienced pairing of Smalling and Jones (and Shaw next to him) he lacks that influential partner to talk him through the game.

I guess only Rio, Vidic, Evra etc could tell you how much they used to do that.

 

[Fergies Formula]

The feck are you on about, a corner to fight? The fact you think it's a fight suggests you are looking at the situation from a completely different angle to me. You say you don’t want him to fail but are happy that ‘everyone seems to be in agreement’ that he’s not god enough. The majority of posters on this form might be in favour of getting rid, but they don’t speak for all United fans, you do know that right?

Further, no one from what I can see has said he's played well this season, however he has been nowhere near as bad as this site would have you believe, he is being used as the scapegoat and thankfully some of us have a memory that goes beyond this season. Football fans are so fickle, it wasn’t long ago that Smalling was considered the worst defender in the Club, now he’s seen as some sort of defending God by some, same as Evans last season, he’s went from the Clubs best defender to the ‘worst defender in the league’

Your posts lacks coherence and structure.

'A corner to fight' is the phrase which signifies your stance in the matter, creating an argument to suit your opinion which lacks substance and objectivity.

It has become a discussion of 2 sides. One side, which the majority would lean towards, being the Evans is not good enough and the other side, the opposite of that. I can guarantee you that the majority of United fans would not be sad to see the back of him. Obviously redcafe doesn't speak for all united fans but I'm sure the the general consensus of those aren't that far apart.

Smalling has never received this kind of backlash as he hasn't warranted it, he might have had dips in form but so do all players. Look at him now blooming in his favoured position.

Evans on the other hand has been on a downward spiral for a long time, and it's no longer about form, it's about his level. He can't have any complaints as he has been given all the opportunities someone could ask for, always being played in postion and always given the benefit of the doubt that not all youth are agforded. I've never rated him as you would see from my posts over the past 5 years.

The way he goes about his business is a bit embarrassing always pointing he finger and shouting at others when he is clearly just frustrated by his inabilities but not willing to take ownership.

 

[DanNistelrooy]

Confidence looks shot which is a shame after 2 good performances vs Newcastle and Spurs. I think the only way he could get back to the level he is capable of (and I still believe that at this stage that Evans has reached the highest level of all of our centre backs) is if we were to go to a back 4. Looks lost in that left back type position.

But to be honest if we revert to a back 4 then he doesn't deserve to be one of the 4!

 

[Fergies Formula]

So, because I have a memory that goes back further than this season, and that I’m not joining in on the scapegoating that the Evans thread has become I should be asking myself ‘what the feck am I on’?

Evans made one mistake yesterday, thankfully it didn’t lead to a goal but it did lead to page after page of abuse aimed in his direction, where as an error from Smalling and Jones, that did lead to a goal was met with near silence, actually one or two on the matchday thread tried to blame Evans for the goal. And before you mention it, no he didn’t have a good game, either did Jones, Smalling, RVP, Carrick, in fact all but Falcao didn’t play to any level that could be considered acceptable.

I have no issue with moving Evans on, I’ve said it many many times, however I refuse to rewrite History and join in on the scapegoating and abuse that is being thrown in his direction, especially when he is getting used to a new system in which he is clearly uncomfortable with.

Are you that blind? He only made one mistake?do me a favour! I counted a large handful of instances which were mistakes, additionally his overall being on the pitch creates an uncertainty.

 

[Getsme]

Your posts lacks coherence and structure.

'A corner to fight' is the phrase which signifies your stance in the matter, creating an argument to suit your opinion which lacks substance and objectivity.

It has become a discussion of 2 sides. One side, which the majority would lean towards, being the Evans is not good enough and the other side, the opposite of that. I can guarantee you that the majority of United fans would not be sad to see the back of him. Obviously redcafe doesn't speak for all united fans but I'm sure the the general consensus of those aren't that far apart.

Smalling has never received this kind of backlash as he hasn't warranted it, he might have had dips in form but so do all players. Look at him now blooming in his favoured position.

Evans on the other hand has been on a downward spiral for a long time, and it's no longer about form, it's about his level. He can't have any complaints as he has been given all the opportunities someone could ask for, always being played in postion and always given the benefit of the doubt that not all youth are agforded. I've never rated him as you would see from my posts over the past 5 years.

The way he goes about his business is a bit embarrassing always pointing he finger and shouting at others when he is clearly just frustrated by his inabilities but not willing to take ownership.

Yawn
Same old shit.

 

[Getsme]

Are you that blind? He only made one mistake?do me a favour! I counted a large handful of instances which were mistakes, additionally his overall being on the pitch creates an uncertainty.

Go on then, tell me these large handful of mistakes.

 

[The Black Pearl]

Are you that blind? He only made one mistake?do me a favour! I counted a large handful of instances which were mistakes, additionally his overall being on the pitch creates an uncertainty.

Did you count or make note of all the mistakes the rest of them made or just the Evans mistakes?

I kept a real close eye on Evans yesterday and apart from the one where he let the ball bounce and got into a bit of a situation he didn't really do anything else wrong.

 

[Litch]

I like Johnny and on reflection he's been solid dependable defender. I think playing in a back four with arguable either one of the two best CB's in the history of the club, and a LB equally so, is going to help. Johnny has 120+ caps for Utd and 31 international caps so at 26 years old, he's no McNair. There are always casualtys of change and unfortunately he may be one of them. I'm guessing he needs to move on and he'll a decent club cause he's no way near as bad as people are making out. He's just the latest forum dog to kick.....

 

[JPRouve]

Go on then, tell me these large handful of mistakes.

Before Leicester(?) , he made the "soft back pass to De Gea" mistake, in every game, against Leicester he is the one supposed to mark Ulloa instead of playing in no man's land.

He created around 4 or 5 clear chances for the opposition, that's too much.

 

[MDFC Manager]

I just hope that if/when he gets sold, it's not to a (perceived) rival. The Welbeck thread is bad enough.

 

[Getsme]

Before Leicester(?) , he made the "soft back pass to De Gea" mistake, in every game, against Leicester he is the one supposed to mark Ulloa instead of playing in no man's land.

He created around 4 or 5 clear chances for the opposition, that's too much.

Leicester? Again, what are you on about?

 

[Litch]

I just hope that if/when he gets sold, it's not to a (perceived) rival. The Welbeck thread is bad enough.

Johnny would look a better player in an Arsenal shirt.....

 

[Mrs Smoker]

Did you count or make note of all the mistakes the rest of them made or just the Evans mistakes?

I kept a real close eye on Evans yesterday and apart from the one where he let the ball bounce and got into a bit of a situation he didn't really do anything else wrong.

That's enough to be awful, shite, and terrible to boot.

At least noone called him a moron, which was a fate Smalling some time ago had.

 

[JPRouve]

Leicester? Again, what are you on about?

What Leicester, he didn't played against Leicester ? And you don't remember his miss weighted passes to De Gea, from Swansea to Leicester ?

 

[Rozay]

Jones hasn't been pulling up trees this season for United, in fact he hasn't been all that since we signed him 2011 and granted yes hes 22 and i have hope he will improve and become a good player and yes evans is 5 years older.

But none of that changes the fact Jones was just as awful today yet Evans is once again the one being vilified. Double standards.

That's nonsense too, Jones was outstanding before his injury on international duty. He has certainly been unimpressive since his return, but he started the season very well for club and country.

 

[stevoc]

If all our other CBs including youngsters like Blackett and McNair can perform in 3-5-2 then why can't Evans? This is a weak excuse and i've heard it many times. Our so called best ball playing CB is also our least adaptable. Not good enough

Blackett and McNair have performed well in a back 3?

I must have missed that. I remember McNair getting subbed because he was so bad and being replaced by a midfielder in defence. And generally being poor except for his first few games in a back 4.

Blackett was alright in a few games at the start of the season hasn't had a look in since Evans has been fit.

Not even mentioning Jones has also looked poor in a back 3, which is more of a surprise when you think about it for a player who has played a lot at right back and in midfield unlike Evans.

 

[stevoc]

That's nonsense too, Jones was outstanding before his injury on international duty. He has certainly been unimpressive since his return, but he started the season very well for club and country.

Nonsense? Ok, i never said he didn't have any good games just for the most part over the whole season he hasn't been brilliant which is true is it not?

Ergo the expression he hasn't been pulling up trees.

 

[Getsme]

What Leicester, he didn't played against Leicester ? And you don't remember his miss weighted passes to De Gea, from Swansea to Leicester ?

I have literally no idea why you've started talking about Leicester.

 

[Barca84]

I have literally no idea why you've started talking about Leicester.

Your contribution to this debate is starting to look little more than plain old trolling now.

 

[Señor]

Nonsense? Ok, i never said he didn't have any good games just for the most part over the whole season he hasn't been brilliant which is true is it not?

Ergo the expression he hasn't been pulling up trees.

No, he's been outstanding apart from the games he's played in recently. He was our best defender up until his injury. Jones is already 10 times the player Evans is despite being 5 years younger.

 

[Getsme]

Your contribution to this debate is starting to look little more than plain old trolling now.

How?

 

[Barca84]

How?

Give it a rest

 

[Reds-of-Ulster]

he will be very quick out of the door if he performs like that till the end of the season. Wouldnt surprise me to see him go in the summer after buying one or two centre backs. Cleverley didnt last long, same with Evans.

Is seven seasons not considered long?

 

[Getsme]

Give it a rest

I'm serious, how?

 

[stevoc]

I have not missed a game for many a year pal so if you want to assume that i have then on you go but I'm right about Evans distribution.

I said no such thing re-read my post, you invited me to watch 95 games in one go did you not?

I assumed you hadn't done that yourself am i right? Being a United fan for 30 years it's safe to assume i have also watched almost every game in the last 3 years.

You very clearly mistake my post for saying he was woeful in all games - I've said his distribution was which is a significant part of the problem

Again i said no such thing, i don't for a second think you meant he was woeful in every game. But you said his distribution has been woeful for 3 years. Come on mate even amongst United fans most would agree until recently that was probably the strongest part of his game.

As for Spurs and Newcastle. I'd ask you to watch them again and count the number of times Evans gives the ball away with a ridiculous hoof up the channel.

Once again mate i think you are reading my posts but misunderstanding them. Your initial reply to me was that you disagreed with my assertion that he was decent in the last few games. I don't need to watch them again, i watched them a few days ago he was decent. Maybe decent means something very different to you than it does to me and most other people

Did he hoof the ball up field yes, did Jones also yes he did. Did they do this because of lack of passing options in midfield or because they were instructed to, i have no idea.

But despite the hoofing he still had two decent games defensively. Decent nothing more which is all i said.

Smalling has been vocal too, just without the mistakes almost every game

Did i say somewhere he wasn't mate?

 

[Litch]

Lack of form and injuries, could say the same of half the squad. He's a good player just unfortunately anyone who plays in defence is going to be under the spotlight. Was the same for CM last year. Carricks doing the same as he's was doing last year but now without the critism.

Every forum needs a dog to kick, pick a CB.....

 

[JPRouve]

I have literally no idea why you've started talking about Leicester.

He injured himself against Leicester, which put an end to his bad spell.