Evans sorry as Holden faces six-month lay-off

JONNY EVANS has apologised to Stuart Holden for the challenge which will rule the Bolton midfielder out for up to six months, emphasising it was not deliberate.

Holden, 25, needed 26 stitches in a gash in his knee and required surgery in London.

Manchester United defender Evans was sent off as his side went on to record a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

It means the USA international will take no further part in the season, including the FA Cup semi-final against Stoke at Wembley on April 17.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle refused to condemn the Northern Ireland international after the game and Holden revealed on his Twitter account Evans had apologised.

He said: “Just had sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me best in recovery, def (sic) wasn’t intentional just unfortunate part of game.”

Holden thanked fans for their support and added: “I can promise you I will come back stronger and better than before. Have had bad luck in the past and will continue to beat it.”

Coyle is now focused on nursing the Aberdeen-born player back to full fitness. He said: “First and foremost our main concern is Stuart and his recovery. He will get all the time and support he needs.’’

Holden has been unlucky with injuries.

He suffered a broken leg after a challenge by Holland’s Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong in an international friendly with the USA last March.

Holden was out for eight weeks but returned in time to play in the World Cup in South Africa. However, he again broke down at the turn of 2011 with a thigh problem.

Holden quickly regained his form to help Bolton remain in a lofty league position and reach the last four of the FA Cup.

Now he will watch the rest of the season unfold from the touchline, while he is also ruled of the USA’s Gold Cup campaign in June.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s hunt for Edwin van der Sar’s replacement has taken another step forward with goalkeeping coach Eric Steele going on a scouting mission to Germany.

It is understood Steele was present to watch Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash with Schalke on Sunday to witness two potential candidates for a summer move to Old Trafford.

Schalke’s Manuel Neuer has long been touted as a prospective United goalkeeper, while Leverkusen’s Rene Adler also has Premier League ambitions.

Neuer caught the eye during last summer’s World Cup when he was catapulted into Joachim Low’s starting line-up due to a combination of Adler’s rib injury and the tragic death of Robert Enke.

He is known to be unhappy with life at Schalke, who have slumped into mid-table this season despite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

Holland number one Maarten Stekelenburg also remains a potential summer target for United.