Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is eyeing a fresh chance tonight in the Carling Cup against Crystal Palace.

The chance to try and wedge his foot back in the senior door against Palace is a golden opportunity for the Northern Ireland international with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Evans himself all vying for places.

You expect the competition to be intense at Manchester United. It always has been. When I first came into the side as well as Rio and Nemanja, we also had Wes Brown and John O'Shea. So I have been used to fighting for my place, Evans admitted to the Manchester Evening News.

"But at the moment it is frightening, the quality of players around challenging for places in the centre of defence.

"The thing you always have to do is get your head down and work as hard as you can. That is the only thing I have ever done. There is nothing else you can do.

"There are five of us in the senior defensive department and the manager has been using players like Phil Jones at full-back and in midfield. Chris Smalling has been at full-back as well.

"I haven't really got another position and I don't want another string to my bow. I am quite happy just to be playing centre back and take my chances.

"Obviously, if you can play in different positions it is great as you get more chances to play in the side. But I think anyone will tell you that they want to play in their favourite position."