Ferdinand played alongside Evans for three seasons during the latter's first spell at Old Trafford, which lasted just shy of a decade. Three years at West Brom before five at Leicester followed for Evans, but now the Northern Irishman finds himself back at the heart of United's defense.
It has come as a surprise to many, especially as Evans only linked up with Erik ten Hag's side in the summer to keep up his fitness. He quickly signed a short-term deal so that he could participate in United's pre-season activities, before penning a one-year contract.
Due to the number of injuries at the heart of United's defense this term, 36-year-old Evans has made 17 Premier League appearances so far. A further six across the Champions League and FA Cup have put his entire total to 23 outings.
Ferdinand discussed his old central defensive partner on his FIVE podcast and although he was glowing in his assessment of Evans, he criticized the fact that United is calling on an aging center-back so much at this stage of the season.
"I didn’t expect him to come in and play as many games, and I didn’t expect him to do as well as he’s done," Ferdinand claimed. "But he hasn’t put a foot wrong, it’s crazy. He’s good with the ball, he’s probably good with the younger players. He’ll probably go into coaching after.
"He wouldn’t have expected to play as many games but listen, the way he’s going it wouldn’t surprise me if he got a new contract, if not there then definitely somewhere else. But really, as well as he’s done and as much as I admire him as a professional, he really shouldn’t be at Man United.
"It just shows you where they are. He shouldn’t be being asked to come in and play and chase [Erling] Haaland around. That’s not what the top clubs are doing nowadays."
Evans actually had to play Sunday's Manchester derby carrying a knock, which goes some way to explaining why he was brought off at the 69-minute mark.
"We had two players on the pitch who were not 100 percent [fit]. Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford," Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City. "But they gave everything like the whole team and we are disappointed with the score."
Just how long Evans will be out remains unknown, but the fact that United had to deploy an already injured Evans from the start away at the reigning champions just about sums up their season so far.
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