McIlroy: Evans came through slump to prove himself Man Utd class

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has won praise for the way he's bounced back this season.

Former Northern Ireland boss and United ace Sammy McIlroy has always kept a keen eye on his fellow Belfast-born Reds player.

And McIlroy believes Evans’ response to his grim period of form has put him in good stead.

“I think Jonny is now playing the best football of his career at United,” Sammy told the Manchester Evening News.

“What has happened to Jonny happens to a lot of players. You do well in your first year or two after you breakthrough into the side and then you can hit the wall.

“When you hit a bad patch all eyes are on you at Old Trafford. There is no hiding place. Then it is a matter of how you respond as to whether you’ll make it at United long term.

“I don’t know whether he took things for granted a bit after having such a good start. That can happen but you very soon learn that you cannot afford to live on past glories and memories. It is all about what you do in in your next game.

“Jonny has risen to the challenge he faced. He has been a bit of a scapegoat in some people’s eyes but he has shown his critics that he is here to stay.

“When you have the kind of setback Jonny went through with his form, then it is a make-or-break time in some respects. You have to stand up and be counted if you want a future at United and he has certainly done that."