Jonny Evans’ turn around this season has been remarkable.
Many had thought his form last season would see the end of his time in United’s defence, especially with the arrival of Phil Jones.
But he has faced the challenge head on and shone beside Rio Ferdinand, especially impressive considering he has been filling in for captain Nemanja Vidic.
It wasn’t just the fans and pundits though, Evans himself admits he had his doubts, claiming that he could have been on his way out of Old Trafford if he didn’t improve.
Whilst he has improved immensely, he concedes he may have been a little harsh on himself:
“Maybe I was too honest, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
“It was an honest opinion of myself, I guess.
“People thought I had a bad season but, in my mind, it was only a period of games in which I didn’t play too well.
“One or two of those performances were highlighted by others but every player goes through that. It was up to me to find a way to get through it.
“Everybody needs to be challenged. You either rise to it or you don’t, and if you don’t then you don’t deserve to be at a club like Manchester United.”