Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Jonny Evans' contribution this season.

Evans has started 22 times this season, one more than Rio Ferdinand.

"Jonny is only 25 but he's emerged in the last year as a real top defender," said Ferguson.

"His form has been fantastic.

"If you can get consistency off young players you are on the right track and Jonny has shown great consistency in the last year.

"Last season it wasn't until Ferdinand and Evans played regularly that we got a run going."