Rio Ferdinand has been left amazed by the physical condition of one Manchester United player.
It’s the midst of the international break and Manchester United have 13 players off around the world representing their countries.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been the highlights of the week as the teenage sensations are set to make their first starts for England and Argentina, respectively, on Tuesday night.
But some players have remained at Carrington this week having either not been picked or because they are nursing injuries.
It’s the latter for Jonny Evans, who hasn’t flown out to meet up with his Northern Ireland teammates due to a knock he picked up before the victory over Liverpool.
The centre-back was instead on hand to welcome former teammate Rio Ferdinand to Carrington this week and the retired defender had some kind words for him.
Rio Ferdinand praises Jonny Evans
United have posted a video on their official X account of Ferdinand greeting Evans, as well as technical director Darren Fletcher.
In the video, Ferdinand said to Evans: “How are you doing?
“You look better now than when you were here before.
“He looks in better shape!”
Jonny Evans has saved United this season
No one could have expected Evans to have played as much as he has when he returned to the club as a free agent in the summer.
It was a smart move to get in some experienced cover so the signing of a big-money centre-back could wait another year but it’s turned out to be an essential signing.
Erik ten Hag’s side has been ravaged by injuries all season long, with defence hit particularly hard.
Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have missed most of the season and Tyrell Malacia hasn’t played a minute while Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all missed significant portions of the campaign.
With options often so limited, 36-year-old Evans has had to play 24 times this season. Far more than he should.
If he wasn’t there, who knows who would have played at the back instead?
At least his great shape means he hasn’t let United down when he has played.
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