Manchester United defender Johnny Evans has returned to first-team action, but he has revealed that he does not expect to be picked for the starting line-up against Bayern Munich. The defender has been out injured for several weeks now. He has just recovered in time to be fit for the second leg against the German club. Manchester United managed a fighting 1-1 draw against Bayern at Old Trafford. Even though they have to score at the Allianz Arena, it gives them a chance to at least fight for progress into the Champions League semifinals.
Evans just returned to action for the United under 21 team, but he says that the game against Bayern Munich may come too soon for him. This would mean that David Moyes is likely to take Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, or Phil Jones as the centre back partnership for Nemanja Vidic. United were extremely compact in defence during the first leg. Moyes used the experienced partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand for this match. However, the 35-year-old Ferdinand is not likely to be taken against the German club at home.
This would mean that Chris Smalling has to step up to this position, which would be a major change for after having been playing nonleague football only a few years ago.
“It was nice to go out there and play as we’ve got a big game coming up on Wednesday in Munich. I don’t know if I’ll be involved or not. Maybe it’s touch and go on that but I just hope the lads can do well and get a good result. In terms of my injury, it may have come too soon for me but, in terms of excitement-wise, the game cannot come quickly enough – especially for the fans and players. Everyone is looking forward to it,” said Evans.
