Johnny Evans fears danger from Senegal duo

24 December 2012 14:46

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has warned his team-mates to beware the threat posed by Newcastle's Senegal strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse.

United will aim to extend their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League when Newcastle visit Old Trafford on Boxing Day, but Evans fears Ba and Cisse could ruin their Christmas celebrations.

Despite topping the table, Alex Ferguson's side have conceded far too many goals for their liking this season and Ba and Cisse, who have 15 goals between them this term, are capable of terrorising any defence.

Evans, who started alongside fit-again Nemanja Vidic in United's 1-1 draw at Swansea on Sunday, is determined to ensure his team are fully focused on keeping the African duo at bay.

"Those guys are both very powerful," Evans said. "What Newcastle do very well is work the ball wide and put it in the box.

"A lot of their goals come that way because Ba and Cisse don't give you a minute.

"When the ball is floating around in the box, they beat people in the air and their goal record is what got Newcastle to where they were last year."

Newcastle haven't won at Old Trafford since 1972 and were easily beaten by United in the league at St James' Park earlier this season.

Evans was one of United's goal-scorers that day and he insists the high standard of that performance needs to be reproduced more often by Ferguson's men.

"In the last couple of seasons we have gone away to places like Newcastle and either lost or drawn," he said.

"This time it was very important to win. We were well prepared, had the right mindset and defended well.

"With the goals as well it was one of our best performances of the season."

Source: AFP