• Premier League

Evans a serious contender for United captaincy

ESPN staff
August 2, 2014
Jonny Evans has impressed Louis van Gaal since the Dutchman's arrival at Old Trafford © Getty Images
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Jonny Evans has emerged as a shock contender to become Manchester United captain after impressing new manager Louis van Gaal, according to The Times.

Evans' attitude is thought to have made him a candidate for the Dutchman and the defender could get the armband ahead of Wayne Rooney and favourite Robin van Persie, with the job vacant following Nemanja Vidic's departure for Inter Milan.

Van Gaal wants time to assess his squad ahead of the new Premier League season and has insisted he will wait before choosing his captain. However, it is expected a decision will be made before the club's opening league game against Swansea on August 16.

According to The Times, Van Persie, who was named Netherlands captain under Van Gaal, remains the outstanding candidate for the new manager but Evans is under serious consideration as a candidate.

The Northern Ireland defender has found himself in the running as he tries to put the injury troubles that caused him to miss the final three and a half months of last season behind him.

Van Gaal is said to be pleased with Evans' progress and, although the club are still keen to sign Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen and World Cup winner Mats Hummels, Evans, who struggled with a calf problem last term, is very much part of United's defensive plan.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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