Jonny Evans has given Manchester United an awkward decision

The decision to hand Jonny Evans a contract last summer looked like a new desperate low for Manchester United. In many ways, it was. Yet after another masterclass in the weekend win over Everton, he is now more important than ever before.

Evans has now played 1,270 minutes for United this season and has been on the pitch for 43 percent of their Premier League minutes. It would be closer to fifty percent if not for his own injury issues.

The Northern Ireland veteran has been a formidable force in the back four throughout the season, which in itself is the problem. He is a no-nonsense defender; the very fact that he has shone brightly is because of the wider failings within the team.

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Evans made four clearances and blocked four shots against Everton, who managed 23 shots at Old Trafford, continuing a worrying trend that will likely cost United more points in the final matches of the campaign.

United have conceded 467 shots in the Premier League this season, an average of 16.7 per game. Sheffield United are the only side to have conceded more across the campaign.

It is a worrying thought ahead of Liverpool's visit this weekend, with United well aware that a mammoth improvement and a huge slice of luck are required if they are to have any chance of keeping their FA Cup dream alive.

United's hopes of a Wembley visit, as well as their dreams of Champions League qualification, could well rely on Evans' performances in the final stages of the season, such is his expertise as a traditional centre-back, whose sole purpose is to defend.

That in itself begs a