Evans hoping for quarter-final showdown against Arsenal
While Arsene Wenger’s kids, led by 16-year-old Jack Wilshere, continue to sweep all before them, Manchester United’s stars of the future required a late Carlos Tevez penalty to dispose of QPR at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
It kept them on course for their first final appearance since hammering Wigan at the Millennium Stadium in 2006, but has led to nothing like the praise being heaped on Wenger’s Arsenal, who also included a player, Aaron Ramsey, United tried to sign last year.
But Evans is not fazed by such opponents. And, bearing in mind the Red Devils lost at the Emirates last weekend, he is keen on the idea of a revenge mission.
“I would like to get Arsenal,” said the Northern Ireland international.
“After the weekend it would be nice to get one back on them.
“Any team is going to be tough at this stage. But if you are going to get to the final, you have to beat the good ones at some stage.”
While the Carling Cup would normally be ranked bottom of United’s lengthy list of priorities, for certain members of Alex Ferguson’s squad, it offers a priceless opportunity for first-team exposure.
Evans – tipped as the Red Devils’ natural successor to Rio Ferdinand – is one such player, as are Brazilian duo Rafael Da Silva and Rodrigo Possebon, while England Under-19 forward Daniel Welbeck earned the penalty that gave Tevez the chance to steer United into the last eight.
“The incentive is there for this team because the manager says he will stand by us,” said the Belfast-born youngster.
“You just have to do well to keep your place. It is really tough just getting into the squad here.
“There are some outstanding players to come back in, although it is always going to be tough at Manchester United.
“You just have to keep grafting away, hopefully get more games and believe eventually your time will come.”
Evans has already proved himself to be an able deputy for Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, turning in a sparkling performance at Chelsea in September. But he is realistic enough to know that, at present, he is very much a second choice.
After a couple of seasons playing regularly on loan at Sunderland, Evans does find it frustrating to spend so much time on the sideline. But he is aware United offer an opportunity that should not be passed up lightly.
“I have only played four games, so I am not getting carried away,” he said.
“It would be nice to play a few more matches but I do feel comfortable and I am enjoying it. You work hard on the training ground to ensure you take these kind of chances.
“Playing for a club like Manchester United is what we all dreamed about as a kid growing up. You owe it to yourself and your family to give everything. Whether it is good enough or not, at least you have tried.”
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