Manchester United defender Jonny Evans feels he's still a month away from full fitness.

The 24-year-old, from Belfast, missed the start to the campaign after recovering from ankle injury surgery at the start of the close season.

"I am probably a month or so behind the lads in terms of match fitness," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I was gutted to miss the pre-season. It is important for me to get the games now and that's why I felt it was vital to get the international games last month.

"When I did come into the squad I did pre-season work and worked on my fitness when I was able to.

"Physically I felt all right. It is just about game time and match sharpness.

"You have to get used to players making runs that you don't really come across on the training ground.

"You have to react to stepping up and dropping off. You cannot really work on those in training, it changes every week because it depends on which centre forward you are playing against.

"It is all about mental sharpness now. I think I am nearly there. I will wait until the next match and then tell you!"