Derby day tonic for Evans

Evans: Fully focused

Jonny Evans insists Manchester United will atone for Sunday's FA Cup embarrassment in midweek as they face neighbours City in a Carling Cup semi-final.

Leeds United proved the magic of the FA Cup is alive and well at Old Trafford as Jermaine Beckford's effort stunned the Premier League champions on their own patch.

Evans, who celebrated his 22nd birthday at the weekend, was given a nightmare present on his return from injury but is backing his team-mates to put things right in the most talked about derby in years.

"We are right in the middle of a really busy time of season," he told the club's official website.

"But as a player it is one you really enjoy because there are lots of big games.

"As well as the league, we have got two big Carling Cup matches against Manchester City.

"It is an exciting time. Now I just want to play as big a part as I possibly can."

Evans' lack of match practice may count against him when Sir Alex Ferguson sits down to pick his side.

However, much will depend on the availability of Nemanja Vidic, whose future has been the subject of so much speculation recently, even though he has publicly stated his willingness to sign a new Red Devils contract.