With Manchester United fans across the world keeping a close eye on their team in the lead up to the Champions League final next week, one man from Northern Ireland will be watching more closely than most.
Jackie Evans, who has been a Red Devil for most of his life, has two very good reasons — his sons.
Evans is the father of Manchester United defender Jonny, who is tipped to replace Rio Ferdinand in the Champions League Final in Rome on Wednesday if the veteran defender fails to recover from injury.
The inclusion would be a big boost for the 21-year-old Northern Ireland international who has emerged as a key figure in United’s march to a third successive Premier League title.
However, Jonny’s possible inclusion in the starting side is not the only reason why Jackie will be watching Sir Alex Ferguson’s every move over the next few days.
His younger son Corry — who is part of United’s reserve team — is tipped to make his senior side debut tomorrow against Hull City.
Ferguson is expected to field a young team for the match, not wanting to risk any of his senior players ahead of the final in the Italian capital next week.
And while Jackie — who was a more than useful footballer himself in the Irish League with Crusaders — says he would love for Corry to make his debut this Sunday, he is very careful about making any predictions.
“Football has a terrible habit of biting you in the backside if you are not too careful,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “We just have to be a wee bit cautious. I don’t want to say anything in case it doesn’t happen.
“It’s been a good week so far with Corry being called into the senior Northern Ireland squad and Jonathan winning the premier league. That’s been great.
“Obviously Rome would be a fantastic experience for Jonny.
“I really don’t know what the manager is thinking and what the situation is with Rio Ferdinand but we just have to wait and see. I have been around football a long time and I have learnt that things and decisions can change really quickly. As it stands, Rio Ferdinand is a vastly experienced player and Manchester United would be better served with him if I am being honest.
“And if Corry does manage to make his debut on Sunday, we will be delighted.
“It’s a small step. We don’t look at it as a total fulfilment, it’s just another step in what will hopefully be a long career.“Obviously we would be very proud but I think we have always taken the view that we don’t rest on those type of things, there is still a long long way to go in their careers. Jonathan has made good strides and got himself to a good position where he will hopefully kick on, whereas Corry is still having to make that breakthrough.
“It’s one of those professions you can’t really say you have made it until you retire because things can change so quickly.”
And whether Jonny steps out for Manchester United on Wednesday or not, Jackie say both he and his wife will be there cheering the Red Devils on.
“I am a very lucky man. I have been a Manchester United supporter all my life.
“My wife and I are going to Rome next week. I am really looking forward to it. It should be an exciting game between two attacking teams.”
And does he think they can win?
“You have to respect Barcelona, they are doing so well and have world class players but I don’t think Manchester United have anything to fear.”
source : belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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