Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims that Jonny Evans has been the club’s “best defender” this season.

The TNT Sports pundit says he was one of those who doubted the logic behind re-signing the 36-year-old back in the summer, but he now admits that it was the right decision to recruit the veteran:

“He’s been arguably our best defender this year and that says a lot. When he first signed, and even though he’s my mate and I played with him, I was like: ‘Flippin’ hell, how are we signing Jonny at this time?! Are we going backwards?’ But he’s come in and when he has been asked to do a job, he’s done it really, really well.”

“I was with him the other day at the training ground and he has surprised himself in terms of the amount of game time he’s had, but then you’ve got to go out there and produce and play. That’s testament to him as a professional footballer as well because you’ve got to prepare yourself and you’ve got to be ready for those moments, and he has been so good luck to him.”

Evans has played a lot more than expected

As Ferdinand mentions, the Northern Ireland international has had more minutes on the pitch than even the player anticipated. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions, including 14 starts.

Evans has, though, given a good account himself when given opportunities by manager Erik ten Hag so he has more than warranted his time on the pitch.

United’s injury crisis has certainly influenced selection

Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined with two separate injuries this campaign, while both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have also spent periods on the treatment table.

It has meant that Evans, who was signed as fifth-choice centre-half, has played a lot more games than he might have otherwise.