Manchester United defender Jonny Evans says injured teammate Rio Ferdinand has been treated unfairly after his performance in defeat at Liverpool.

Evans has been deputising for Ferdinand while he has struggled with his fitness this season and says Fernando Torres would have rattled any defender in the world at Anfield.

Evans said: "He would have done to most defenders in the world what he did to Rio at Anfield recently.

"I think people have been harsh on Rio. He's going to be vital for England at the World Cup - Rio and John Terry are England's best two centre-backs.

"Rio is a great leader, a really nice person and someone who encourages all the young players at the club."