Friday 6 November 2015 12:05, UK
Jonny Evans says he will enjoy coming face to face with Wayne Rooney on Saturday - and has backed the Manchester United striker to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
The central defender returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his summer move to West Brom and is preparing to face a United side that has scored just once in their last four matches.
England captain Rooney, who turned 30 last month, has been criticised after scoring just two goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season, but Evans insists his former team-mate still has plenty to offer.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "If someone's not scoring enough goals or maybe going through a bit of a patch where they're not scoring then all of a sudden 'their legs have gone'.
"I don't think that's the case with Wayne. He is such a clever player, he will always find a great position and I think if you look at the games he's playing in a position that he's doing it for the team.
"You can see that a lot. He's working hard for the team. The team have got a very solid unit and that comes from the front. He's a big part of that.
"Over the years top players have to prove people wrong and I'm sure that's what he'll be trying to do. He's a fighter and I have no doubts he'll find his form again and start scoring goals."
When asked about the potential battle between them, he added: "It will be quite enjoyable actually.
"I've played against him loads of times in training obviously and I know the way he plays - but he knows the way I play, so…
"I've known him for years and it will be a good occasion. Who usually comes out best? Usually me!"
Evans was brought through the ranks at United by Sir Alex Ferguson and played 131 times between 2007 and 2015 before falling down the pecking order and being sold by Louis van Gaal.
However, the 27-year-old had kind words for the Dutch coach and refused to support the views of other former Manchester United players such as Paul Scholes, Andrei Kanchelskis and Peter Schmeichel who have described his style of play as being "boring".
"That's their opinion," he added.
"To be honest I haven't seen much of the games this season so it's hard for me to see the way they've been playing and give my own opinion on it.
"I'm sure he will get it right. He's a very good coach.
"He's a very hands-on coach. He likes to be involved in all the sessions and he sets high standards. On a personal level I enjoyed the training, the demands he set and the high standards he set on his players.
"He was [enjoyable to work with]. I've no problems. I enjoyed my time there and felt I learned a lot from him."
See more from our interview with Jonny Evans on Sky Sports News HQ on Friday - and follow Manchester United v West Brom on Soccer Saturday.
