[Cassidy]

Just because he's the most experienced doesn't mean he can't lose his confidence. Even the Worlds best suffer from a lose of confidence from time to time, as for taking 5 or 6 games to come back from an injury, very few and I mean only a handful of players have the ability to go straight back into a team at their peak level.

Do I think Evans will be our number 1 CB in a couple of years? No, is he as bad as some are making out? Hell no. Is he the best we've got? I'd say yes, obviously he's in a lull at the moment but he will come good.

Its nothing to do with coming back at your peak level though is it, just come back competent enough to pass the ball to the next defender, that would be good enough no?

Like I've said before I actually like or liked Evans but right now we are in a dog fight to try and get back to the top, and we don't exactly have a lot of time. Like some have said he has till the end of the season to save his United career IMO, if he doesn't at least show some form, why should he stay at the expense of someone like McNair providing McNair continues to show some promise over the course of the season?

Just look at Rio now, sometimes people just dont get back to that level, we can't be waiting all day and a season is long enough to wait.

 

[Getsme]

Wow thats completely delusional sir

How?

 

[Annahnomoss]

Scapegoating is such an inescapable human trait. Everyone just loves to blame someone else for everything that's wrong in this world.

Evans really isn't as shit as some people are making him out to be. He has been poor since coming back, yes, but that can be put down to rustiness after long bouts of injuries. (And playing in that dastardly 3-5-2 even. lol) Give him some time to get back his match fitness and then we'll see if he really fits into LvG's system.

Cause if we're going to condemn him for being injury prone or mistake prone, then we can very well say the same with Smalling and Jones as well. Anyone remember Smalling's genius red card? Let's just give them all a chance to settle down in the team under LvG's system. Time will reveal if he is good enough or not. And if he fails to settle down and gets shipped in the end, then so be it.

It wasn't long ago that Jones was the one who people wanted kicked out and sold and the same group of people has launched at Smalling this season too. Not to mention that the same was said about Rojo in the start as well.

One bad game is enough to cause the bandwagon to slate you, two bad games and you've been shit your entire career and will never hit form again.

 

[Cassidy]

It wasn't long ago that Jones was the one who people wanted kicked out and sold and the same group of people has launched at Smalling this season too. Not to mention that the same was said about Rojo in the start as well.

One bad game is enough to cause the bandwagon to slate you, two bad games and you've been shit your entire career and will never hit form again.

Hes been shite all season, not 2 games I'm afraid, he was even a bit naff in pre-season

 

[Ekeke]

How?

He played 17 times in the league for us and was clearly not up to snuff. Yes he might have been comfortable in 3 games in the champions league, that clearly doesnt make him one of our best players

 

[Getsme]

Its nothing to do with coming back at your peak level though is it, just come back competent enough to pass the ball to the next defender, that would be good enough no?

Like I've said before I actually like or liked Evans but right now we are in a dog fight to try and get back to the top, and we don't exactly have a lot of time. Like some have said he has till the end of the season to save his United career IMO, if he doesn't at least show some form, why should he stay at the expense of someone like McNair providing McNair continues to show some promise over the course of the season?

Just look at Rio now, sometimes people just dont get back to that level, we can't be waiting all day and a season is long enough to wait.

Of course, my point is that Evans, unlike other players hasn't been given the chance regain any type of form, instead history has been rewritten and he's never had a good game for United in his life, in fact I believe he's cost us on average 6 goals per game (apparently)
However I agree that he has until the end of the season to save his career, but that can be said of Jones, Smalling and Rafael. As for Evans performances, I don't think he's been as awful as you'd believe from reading this forum but he certainly has to improve.

 

[Annahnomoss]

Hes been shite all season, not 2 games I'm afraid, he was even a bit naff in pre-season

The poster I quoted says that himself. Of course he has been shaky this season, but with a lot of injuries and a new system and manager there are good reasons for it.

He's not adapted as fast as the rest to it all, but that doesn't mean we should go to any extremes as of yet. He's our fourth choice defender by now, he doesn't have to be the best in the world. But he deserves the time to do his best to again become comfortable as his level in his peak has been very respectable.

 

[Getsme]

He played 17 times in the league for us and was clearly not up to snuff. Yes he might have been comfortable in 3 games in the champions league, that clearly doesnt make him one of our best players

Rubbish.

 

[Getsme]

It wasn't long ago that Jones was the one who people wanted kicked out and sold and the same group of people has launched at Smalling this season too. Not to mention that the same was said about Rojo in the start as well.

One bad game is enough to cause the bandwagon to slate you, two bad games and you've been shit your entire career and will never hit form again.

In a nutshell.

 

[Viral United]

How does playing in a back 3 excuse or explain his shit back passes this season or the fact that he's physically not up to it?



Your opinion that Evans has always been shit is wrong though. Out of all our CB's he was best on the ball before this season. Not sure what's happened to him.

He's been utter shite this season mind and I'm not sure why some have problems in accepting that.

Man you need to calm-down,
I am not giving excuses, its what look like,
He has awful season so far I can't denied it.

 

[Sarni]

He isn't some sort of a youngster, he is 27 and hasn't really improved from his early days. He is probably around the level of Michael Dawson currently and even Spurs who are considerably worse than us did not keep Dawson. He will probably have the next six months to improve and perhaps prove himself and if it doesn't work out then Van Gaal will be ruthless at the end of season. It will be better for him to leave and go to Hull/Sunderland/QPR and play than stay here and be 5th choice.

 

[Viral United]

So LVG should change his planned formation for the sake of Evans? What if LVG wants 3-5-2?

I never said LVG should change formation for Evans, Dont know from where you got that.
If LVG wants 3-5-2 then I don't see any future for Evans here.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

On the "shit passing" thing, he's made a couple of outrageously poor passes in every game he's played. This doesn't mean there's some sort of fundamental technical problem, though. Not when he's already proven himself to have a great range of passing in the past. Arguably the best out of all of our defenders. Just like all his other good qualities, this is getting dismissed by people who seem remember anything past the beginning of this season.

Not entirely sure why he's making so many bad errors with his passing but you'd have to say an uncertainty with the formation plays a big part. Let's not forget that every other defender has looked similarly hapless in the 352 formation. A formation that Evans is unlucky enough to have played exclusively under Van Gaal.

 

[tombombadil]

Not being funny but he has looked poor all season, yes I know hes had his injury problems but from the perspective of a new manager coming in all of the defenders have been injured etc (including McNair) but Evans (who is supposed to be the most experienced) is the one who looks worst of the bunch. Not to mention he looks very nervous and not composed on the ball.

If we get a new CB in, I would much rather Evans was sacrificed than McNair. Its not just about ability its also about the mental capability and ability to handle the pressure and get back to your game quickly. If he takes 4/5 games to get back into the flow of things and is injury prone then that IMO counts against him.

Definitely, he's been poor this season. But he's hardly played (what was it, 5 in 17? and currently only playing his second game after coming back) and everytime he's played, it's been in a back 3, IINM. Just give him some time and see if he grows into the role. If he really sucks that badly, I'm sure LvG would be the first to kick him out.

It wasn't long ago that Jones was the one who people wanted kicked out and sold and the same group of people has launched at Smalling this season too. Not to mention that the same was said about Rojo in the start as well.

One bad game is enough to cause the bandwagon to slate you, two bad games and you've been shit your entire career and will never hit form again.

I know what you mean. I just don't get why everything has to be so extreme. Every little small thing and it's the end of the world. Whatever happened to moderation? Everyone is so itching to hate a manchester united player these days.

 

[Getsme]

I never said LVG should change formation for Evans, Dont know from where you got that.
If LVG wants 3-5-2 then I don't see any future for Evans here.

Loublaze has a tendency to make things up.

 

[Cassidy]

The poster I quoted says that himself. Of course he has been shaky this season, but with a lot of injuries and a new system and manager there are good reasons for it.

He's not adapted as fast as the rest to it all, but that doesn't mean we should go to any extremes as of yet. He's our fourth choice defender by now, he doesn't have to be the best in the world. But he deserves the time to do his best to again become comfortable as his level in his peak has been very respectable.

I'll give you a response on that, Jones Smalling and Evans have been below par and/or injury prone for a couple of seasons. Out of them I don't even rate Jones full stop, don't really think he is a good defender, he is a good player mind you, think he could do a job as a holding midfielder but I'm not convinced he is good enough for CB, you never know though.

Smalling out of the 3 is the best all round defender but is never fit.

Evans out of the 3 has had the longest period playing at a high level but that was about 2/3 years ago.

They're all on trail this season IMO, but Evans is loosing the race on this seasons form.

 

[Ekeke]

Definitely, he's been poor this season. But he's hardly played (what was it, 5 in 17? and currently only playing his second game after coming back) and everytime he's played, it's been in a back 3, IINM. Just give him some time and see if he grows into the role. If he really sucks that badly, I'm sure LvG would be the first to kick him out.


I know what you mean. I just don't get why everything has to be so extreme. Every little small thing and it's the end of the world. Whatever happened to moderation? Everyone is so itching to hate a manchester united player these days.

With Jones there's the benefit of age. With Smalling theres the benefit of being our best CB by a mile last season. Thats why writing them off was too soon.

Evans is 27 and hasnt done the business for a season and a half. Time is against him to turn it around

 

[Sammyjunn]

He isn't some sort of a youngster, he is 27 and hasn't really improved from his early days. He is probably around the level of Michael Dawson currently and even Spurs who are considerably worse than us did not keep Dawson. He will probably have the next six months to improve and perhaps prove himself and if it doesn't work out then Van Gaal will be ruthless at the end of season. It will be better for him to leave and go to Hull/Sunderland/QPR and play than stay here and be 5th choice.

Michael Dawson? You'll get hunted with the Evans fanboys for that mate. Late in last season, I seriouslu had a discussion with someone who thought that Evans is better/at leasts as good as Cahill....

 

[Getsme]

I'll give you a response on that, Jones Smalling and Evans have been below par and/or injury prone for a couple of seasons. Out of them I don't even rate Jones full stop, don't really think he is a good defender, he is a good player mind you, think he could do a job as a holding midfielder but I'm not convinced he is good enough for CB, you never know though.

Smalling out of the 3 is the best all round defender but is never fit.

Evans out of the 3 has had the longest period playing at a high level but that was about 2/3 years ago.

They're all on trail this season IMO, but Evans is loosing the race on this seasons form.

I'd agree, I'd add that the one out of the three of Smalling, Jones and Evans, Evans seems to be a LVG type defender.

 

[Getsme]

Michael Dawson? You'll get hunted with the Evans fanboys for that mate. Late in last season, I seriouslu had a discussion with someone who thought that Evans is better/at leasts as good as Cahill....

Holy feck

 

[Pogue Mahone]

With Jones there's the benefit of age. With Smalling theres the benefit of being our best CB by a mile last season. Thats why writing them off was too soon.

Evans is 27 and hasnt done the business for a season and a half. Time is against him to turn it around

You're just making shit up now.

(Can't get stats for Ferdinand but doubt they were much good)

 

[Ekeke]

You're just making shit up now.

(Can't get stats for Ferdinand but doubt they were much good)

You had to actually watch the matches and not look at stats for where he played Right Back. He's a CB

He was one of the higher rated CBs in the league when played there

7.39 at CB for 11 matches and 7.22 at RB for 10 matches. Of course anyone who watched and had a memory would remember the mistakes and poor distribution of Smalling when playing at RB and that often clouds people's thinking. He's not a RB, he's a CB and as a CB he was our rock

That season only Skrtel (due to amazing goals contribution) and Curtis Davis (by 0.1 point) rated better than Smalling's rating at CB

But you missed all that somehow. Okay.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

You had to actually watch the matches and not look at stats for where he played Right Back. He's a CB

No shit, sherlock. I did watch the matches. There's no way he was our best central defender. Although obviously the games at right back will explain how he has more key passes than Evans. Ditto Jones with his games in midfield.

 

[Getsme]

With Jones there's the benefit of age. With Smalling theres the benefit of being our best CB by a mile last season. Thats why writing them off was too soon.

Evans is 27 and hasnt done the business for a season and a half. Time is against him to turn it around

WoW

 

[Sammyjunn]

Holy feck

Ahhaa looked it up mate, and it was literally you who was arguing that, proper Evans fanboy . It makes me cringe that you're still doing it.

 

[Getsme]

Ahhaa looked it up mate, and it was literally you who was arguing that, proper Evans fanboy . It makes me cringe that you're still doing it.

It makes you cringe

 

[POF]

For starters he got into the team of the group stage in the Champions League, he was a candidate on here to be our new captain and before this season he was regarded by many as our best CB, now after 7 games his detractors are using his poor performances to rewrite history.

"Voted", "a candidate on here", "regarded by many". What about you? What do you think?

 

[Getsme]

"Voted", "a candidate on here", "regarded by many". What about you? What do you think?

About what?

 

[Sammyjunn]

It makes you cringe

Yeah it does Jonny, what's next? Evans is one of the best defenders United has ever had?

 

[Getsme]

Yeah it does Jonny, what's next? Evans is one of the best defenders United has ever had?

FFS Go away and lie down will ya.

 

[Sammyjunn]

FFS Go away and lie down will ya.

One question mate, still better than Cahill?

 

[Ekeke]

No shit, sherlock. I did watch the matches. There's no way he was our best central defender. Although obviously the games at right back will explain how he has more key passes than Evans. Ditto Jones with his games in midfield.

since I added to it above :

You had to actually watch the matches and not look at stats for where he played Right Back. He's a CB

He was one of the higher rated CBs in the league when played there

7.39 at CB for 11 matches and 7.22 at RB for 10 matches. Of course anyone who watched and had a memory would remember the mistakes and poor distribution of Smalling when playing at RB and that often clouds people's thinking. He's not a RB, he's a CB and as a CB he was our rock

That season only Skrtel (due to amazing goals contribution) and Curtis Davis (by 0.1 point) rated better than Smalling's rating at CB

But you missed all that somehow. Okay. There are your stats

 

[Getsme]

One question mate, still better than Cahill?

Currently, no.

 

[Kag]

He isn't some sort of a youngster, he is 27 and hasn't really improved from his early days. He is probably around the level of Michael Dawson currently and even Spurs who are considerably worse than us did not keep Dawson. He will probably have the next six months to improve and perhaps prove himself and if it doesn't work out then Van Gaal will be ruthless at the end of season. It will be better for him to leave and go to Hull/Sunderland/QPR and play than stay here and be 5th choice.

Hull and Sunderland? Christ. This is a guy that has performed at a high level in stadiums all across Europe, yet you insinuate he should be playing for teams in a relegation battle?

Evans is more than good enough to play Champions League football and I suspect that many clubs across Europe would take great interest. His distribution has generally always been a strength which hasn't simply disappeared overnight and I suspect he would acclimatise rather well on the continent.

I do see Evans as the most dispensable of our three British centre half's, and It's fair to say I would look for a replacement come the upcoming transfer windows, but some of the stuff in this thread is bizarre. His injuries are his biggest problem, which I suspect has had a knock on effect on many areas of his game.

Evans has it in him to be a very good defender again, without doubt. Talk of Michael Dawson is downright laughable.

 

[Cutch]

I think Evans' distribution is suffering notably at the minute for a few reasons:

1) Lack of match fitness/sharpness - Has played very few games in this calender year and has really struggled to get any sort of form going as a result. Fatigue as the game goes on probably resulting in poorer decision making and execution.
2) Lack of confidence - Linked to lack of sharpness, him being worried about this shortcoming being exposed, also previous mistakes this season perhaps playing on his mind.
3) Change of personnel - Hasn't had time to get used to play with new signings like Rojo at the back, or McNair who came in to the side while Evans was out. Communication therefore a problem and also leading to mistakes.
4) The 'Philoshophy' - Onus is on playing out from the back and keeping possession. Evans making more passbacks and putting other centrehalfs in bother where before he might have went long to avoid trouble.
5) Lack of movement - Used to having the likes of Paul Scholes or Carrick showing in midfield, and Patrice Evra racing down the side of him. Now he has the cumbersome Fellaini trying to find space, and the go to man Carrick instead now alongside him.
6) 5-3-2 - Also linked to No.5. Evans is taking up the position a left back would usually occupy when we're playing out and he's finding himself more boxed in. The channel to the left wing back is narrower, and instead of having 2 outlets (you could be certain the marauding Evra would be one) on this side he only has 1, the LWB who's nearly always marked. Infield is often congested with the likes of Fellaini poor at making himself available, and Mata also getting crowded out when on the ball. Decision making we've seen is often slow and sometimes careless.

Certainly he's been poor for the reasons outlined but i'll not be getting on his back until he's had a good run of games in a settled defence, and hopefully a formation more suited to him, with the 5-3-2 doing none of of our defenders any favours at the min.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

since I added to it above :

You had to actually watch the matches and not look at stats for where he played Right Back. He's a CB

He was one of the higher rated CBs in the league when played there

7.39 at CB for 11 matches and 7.22 at RB for 10 matches. Of course anyone who watched and had a memory would remember the mistakes and poor distribution of Smalling when playing at RB and that often clouds people's thinking. He's not a RB, he's a CB and as a CB he was our rock

That season only Skrtel (due to amazing goals contribution) and Curtis Davis (by 0.1 point) rated better than Smalling's rating at CB

But you missed all that somehow. Okay. There are your stats

Heh. Ironic that you open your post talking about needing to watch matches, then base your entire argument around some sort of rating system, without any substantiation or reference. Never work in science.

 

[Ekeke]

Heh. Ironic that you open your post talking about needing to watch matches, then base your entire argument around some sort of rating system, without any substantiation or reference. Never work in science.

You brought stats into the argument straight away with your sqwawka thingy and when you get told the stats that are relevant, you try and change the picture with sarcastic comments

 

[tombombadil]

With Jones there's the benefit of age. With Smalling theres the benefit of being our best CB by a mile last season. Thats why writing them off was too soon.

Evans is 27 and hasnt done the business for a season and a half. Time is against him to turn it around

Time is against him. But he does have the benefit of the doubt based on performances from past seasons and the fact that he has hardly gotten a good run this season and the fact that the few times he has played has been in a back 3.

I just think we should give him more time and maybe be less extreme with our opinions in here. And let's be honest. I'm not sure if our defensive performances last season was anything to shout about.

The poster I quoted says that himself. Of course he has been shaky this season, but with a lot of injuries and a new system and manager there are good reasons for it.

He's not adapted as fast as the rest to it all, but that doesn't mean we should go to any extremes as of yet. He's our fourth choice defender by now, he doesn't have to be the best in the world. But he deserves the time to do his best to again become comfortable as his level in his peak has been very respectable.

This. I couldn't agree more.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

You brought stats into the argument straight away with your sqwawka thingy and when you get told the stats that are relevant, you try and change the picture with sarcastic comments

I'm not sure you even understand what is meant by stats in this context. They are objective metrics that can be used to impartially assess performance. Ratings are subjective opinions, not impartial at all.

Hope this helps. Like I said, never work in science.

 

[Nighteyes]

Why are people calling him a scapegoat? He's not been scapegoated. He has actually been complete shit this season by his own standards.

Tom Cleverley was the scapegoat last season. He got all sorts of abuse last season but at least he was doing the basics right. Evans struggles to pass the ball to his teammates these days.