Evans hails Tevez the fighter

Jonny Evans is not surprised Carlos Tevez responded to doubts over his Manchester United future with a four-goal salvo against Blackburn last night.

Although there was some doubt over the validity of Tevez’s opening effort in the 5-3 win at Old Trafford, adjudicators have used freeze-frame technology to rule the South American almost

certainly got the final touch to Aaron Mokoena’s header, diverting it goalwards to put United in front.

As neither United nor Blackburn are likely to challenge the ruling and the dubious goals panel used in the Premier League has no jurisdiction over Carling Cup games, it leaves Tevez free to celebrate the first four-timer of his career, as well as leaving Alex Ferguson with a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s encounter with managerless Sunderland.

And Evans could not be more delighted for Tevez, who has been squeezed out since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham.

“The goals were the best way for Carlos to respond,” said Evans.

“He is a real fighter and he will never shy away from that.

“The fans know what Carlos is all about. He works hard every time he is on the pitch and it will do him good to get his name on the scoresheet.

“No matter what is happening, his work-rate is always phenomenal. He just can’t help himself, which is great for the team.”

While Tevez will hope his efforts have done enough to ensure he plays a meaningful role over the remaining months of the season, Evans must wait to discover whether Ferguson’s side retains its youthful look for next month’s two-legged semi-final.

In the past, Ferguson has strengthened his team in order to seal a final berth.

But such is the congested nature of the Red Devils’ fixture list it is difficult to see the Scot denying Evans, Darron Gibson and Rodrigo Possebon their chance, particularly as Saturday’s draw offers two potential Championship opponents in Burnley and Derby.

“It is up to the manager but it would be nice if he did keep the same team,” said Evans.

“Maybe once you get to the semi-final you want to win it.

“But we feel we can get to Wembley. Two games and we are there. It is a big incentive for the whole club.”

Even if United were to get dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle when they visit Southampton on January 4, there are still two outstanding Premier League matches against Fulham and Wigan to fit in, while a place in the Champions League knock-out stages is already assured.

Little wonder Ferguson has stated in no uncertain manner that he will not be releasing any of his young stars on loan in January, even though Paul Scholes’ return from knee surgery last night gives him more selection options.

Even new signing Zoran Tosic could play a part once the Serbian arrives from Partizan Belgrade next month, although Nani is determined it will not be at his expense.

Likened to Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon last year, the Portugal international has struggled for consistency and has started just two Premier League games this term.

Nani’s performance was mixed again last night but his goal, a well-taken first-half effort, should improve his self-belief and he is another Ferguson will be relying on as the games start to mount.

“I have not started that many games and I would like to play more often,” he said.

“It is difficult when you play one match and then miss two or three. But if I want to play here, I must work very hard.

“I have not scored that often but now I am getting my confidence.”

With Ronaldo back from suspension most of last night’s line-up, if not all, will lose their places for Sunderland’s visit.

After beating Manchester City and Blackburn already this week, it should have been a third successive meeting for Ferguson against one of his former players.

Roy Keane’s sudden departure from the Stadium of Light has changed that, although as a former United reserve team boss, the Cork man’s temporary replacement Ricky Sbragia is guaranteed a warm welcome at Old Trafford, even if a first win at Old Trafford since 1968 seems a remote possibility for the Wearsiders.