‘That says a lot’: Ferdinand can’t believe that United veteran has been the ‘best’ in his position this season

Rio Ferdinand has lauded Manchester United veteran Jonny Evans for his performances following a surprise return to the club last summer.

The 36-year-old rejoined the Red Devils in July 2023 after he was released from Leicester City upon the culmination of the 2022/2023 campaign, which saw them relegated to the Championship.

He succeeded Kasper Schmeichel in becoming the Foxes’ club captain in his final season but spent the majority of the term sidelined with a calf injury. Evans then linked up with United during pre-season to maintain his fitness levels while searching for his next team before ultimately being offered a one-year contract.

Injuries to Erik ten Hag’s defence have led to the Northern Ireland international playing a key role in United’s backline, having made 12 starts in the Premier League – the amount he made throughout the whole of last season – and 24 appearances in total across all competitions.

Evans, a three-time league title-winner, has partnered the likes of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof through Lisandro Martinez’s long-term layoffs, and you would struggle to find an instance where he has put a foot wrong. 

Ferdinand taken aback by Evans’ contributions

Speaking of his former teammate’s shock return to Old Trafford, Ferdinand told Cool FM News: “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 [a] 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.”