Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to having strong competition at centre-back when Man Utd captain Nemanja Vidic returns to fitness.
Man Utd boss happy with options at centre-back for next season
Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to having strong competition at centre-back when Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic returns to fitness next season.
Vidic has been sidelined by a knee injury suffered against Basel in December and will not be rushed back into action before the end of the current campaign.
Former skipper Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans have been United's defensive pairing in recent weeks, while England internationals Chris Smalling and Phil Jones can also play in the middle.
"Hopefully - and I think I am right - we are in a really strong position with centre-backs," said United boss Ferguson.
"Jones and Smalling were bought for the long term and have proved they can play in other positions of course and when Vidic comes back at the start of next season we will have a strong defensive core.
"Nemanja won't travel with us on the pre-season tour, but he will certainly be ready for the start of the season.
"Then I can pick and choose whatever two I fancy or whatever two are in consistent form."
Evans praise
Evans has particularly impressed during the Red Devils' surge to the top of the table and Ferguson has praised the Northern Ireland international's development.
He added: "Some people relish challenges, some people wither.
"The boy has definitely matured. Jonny is 25 now and, although he is young, he has had a lot of experience.
"He had a year at Sunderland and we had him on loan at Antwerp for a while. When they have had that experience it definitely helps them when they get a run in the team."
