“It’s something I’ve tried to apply to my game.”

Jonny Evans has hailed the impact defensive partner Rio Ferdinand has had on his game this term.

The two have struck up a brilliant partnership in the heart of United’s defence in the absence of the injured Nemanja Vidic, and it has paid off for the young Northern Ireland international who has enjoyed his best spell in the team for a long time.

His performances have been hailed by fans and pundits alike and he feels that playing alongside Rio Ferdinand has allowed him to pick up tips first hand from the veteran defender, as he told the club’s official website:

“I think it’s the calmness he brings to the team… he never gets flustered.

“As a centre-back, if you’re running around the pitch panicking, it sends a bad message to the team, so that composure is vital, and it’s something I’ve tried to apply to my game.”