Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has praised his team-mates for the club’s start to the season, despite their humiliating 6-1 derby defeat and early exit from the Champions League.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are second in the Premier League, level with Manchester City on points but behind on goal difference, and are closing that gap after an impressive 10 goals in their previous two league games.
The Red Devils could start 2012 ahead of Roberto Mancini’s men if they pick up just a point when they play Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Eve at Old Trafford, with City not in action until 24 hours later when they travel to Sunderland.
Despite their shock European exit following the 2-1 away loss to Basel, and the infamous defeat at the hands of rivals City, Evans insists United have made a better start to the current season than last year.
“Compared to last year, the start we’ve had has been a lot better,” the centre-back told SkySportsNews.
“We’ve picked up more wins already away from home than we did last year.
“Obviously the difference between us and Manchester City so far comes down to the game we played against them. Other than that, we’ve done really well.
“The teams we dropped points against last season away from home we’ve managed to beat this season, picking up points at places where we’ve previously found it really difficult.
“The Champions League exit added to the criticism.
“We’d have liked to have had that group wrapped up at an early stage and maybe we took it for granted a little.”
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