Evans' new role?

Afternoon all! With the way our defence looks like changing over this summer, Jones arriving, Varane potentially and big Wes and the Sheaster looking like they might leave, our CB looks very strong and has good depth. Our FB positions though look a bit precarious. Rafael, Fabio and Evra are all great little full-backs, but not one of them is a particularly big lad (not a problem for Europe, big problem for games like Stoke away). Add to that the fact that three FBs just isn't enough to go into a PL season and we have a situation that needs addressing.

Now, I'll start by saying that I'm ninety nine percent sure O'Shea will be here come new season, (Brown's most likely off though). He's a great player to have in the squad and very consistent. If he we're to leave (and when he finally does), I think Evans will become the new John O'Shea if you will. Big, versatile defender who can come in and cover any position along the back four when needed (He wouldn't need to cover DM, because Jones would do that and Evans would slot into CB).

The boys not stupid, he'll know Ferguson plans to have Smalling and Jones as the CB partnership for the best part of a decade (not saying SAF will still be manager in ten years, but we can hope!), and if he doesn't get some more strings to his bow, he's not gonna be getting much game time. Evans will know this and not want to limit himself to playing just when one of them is injured/rested, so he'll become the new versatility player, covering FBs too and playing when a taller, stronger player is required.

Anyway, whether Evans begins his transition sooner or later depends on if O'Shea leaves. If he's here, Evans competes with Jones to cover Vidic, if he goes, Evans moves takes over utility defender role and we bring in Varane as third back up.

Evans played a fair amount of games at FB towards the end of this last season so maybe this transition is happening already. Personally I'd rather O'Shea stayed, played a smaller role and helped Evans with his transition, rather than him get thrown in at the deep end. He's already a better CB than O'Shea, so hopefully with his help and given time, Evans could become a better utility defender than big John. It'll be O'Shea decision though as if he stays here, he'll know he won't play as much this coming season whatever happens.

One thing I am sure of though is that Evans won't be sold, as has been suggested on here. He's very highly thought of by Fergie and it's clear this is the plan for him. He's a Man United fan and he's been getting a decent amour of playing time so he'll want to stay and become an important member of the

So yeah, what do you recon to Jonny Evans being the next big thing(at FB when required! :P)

Oh, and if anyone mentions how we need to buy a CM on this thread, the post will be deleted. Sing a new song ffs!