Evans back to bolster United defence

Manchester United’s defence has struggled in the first two games of the new season.

Midfielders Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia have been used as emergency defenders to cover for injuries to back four regulars.

However, Jonny Evans is now set to return from an injured ankle which has kept him out of action since the end of last season, and is expected to partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the back-line when United take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have all been kept out of action too due to injury, but Evans insists that everyone is recovering well.

He told United’s official website: “There is plenty of strength in depth in the squad. We’ve had injuries, but everyone is coming back slowly but surely.

“The squad is so strong; just looking at the numbers we have in training is unbelievable.

“It’s important to have that, though, because you get injuries through the season and we want to do well in every competition we play in, so we’re going to need everyone.”

The defender played a full 90 minutes during the week, starring in United’s under-21 team as they defeated Tottenham 2-1. However, Evans still believes he is behind his team-mates regarding his fitness.

“I had the operation and I was hoping to be back for some of the pre-season games but I had a couple of setbacks with it,” he said.

“I feel good now, but I know I need to work that bit harder because I’m a bit behind everyone else.”

The 25-year-old also called on his team-mates to maintain their form away to newly-promoted Southampton on Sunday.

“We’ve played a couple of FA Cup games there in the last three years and managed to win both so hopefully we can continue our form there.”

Meanwhile, new signing Shinji Kagawa has had no troubles settling in at Old Trafford after stunning Sir Alex Ferguson and the Manchester United backroom staff with an impressive ‘bleep test’ display at training.

Kagawa, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of around 12 million pounds in June, was able to take the test near to its highest level – which is the most impressive display by a United player since David Beckham left in 2003.

A ‘bleep test’ asks a player to run between a set distance before the allocated time gradually decreases, causing the participant to increase their speed.

Many wondered how United would replace the industry and work rate of Park Ji-Sung, who left to join QPR in a 2.5m pounds deal in July, but it would appear the new midfielder has exactly what it takes to go the distance for his new side.

Kagawa has now been put on a programme to increase his strength and help his adaptation to the Premier League since his aerobic capabilities are, obviously, not in question.