Manchester United defender Jonny Evans signs four-year contract

Jonny Evans has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson plans for the future.   After spending a couple of spells on loan at Sunderland, Evans has made huge progress in the last two seasons.   'Jonny has signed a new deal,' confirmed Ferguson ahead of Sunday's seasonfinale against Stoke. 'We have been working on it for a few months now and I am happy that he has signed it.' Reward: Evans has impressed Ferguson and made his mark in the United teamThe Northern Ireland international has now made 64 first-teamappearances for United, the latest coming in Sunday's victory at theStadium of Light, and has proved himself good enough to stand in forRio Ferdinand during the defender's increasingly frequent injuryabsences.   And Ferdinand's fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic has been heavily linked with a move to Spain.'Jonny Evans has played a lot of football this year,' said Ferguson. 'For a centre-half at 22 years of age to play so many games and show the quality he has, is tremendous.' Next generation: Gibson scores against Bayern MunichFerguson has pinpointed Evans as the leader of United's next generation of players.Together with the likes of Darron Gibson, Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck, Ferguson feels the Red Devils have a firm base for the future - even if they relinquish their title to Chelsea at the weekend. No deal: Glazers reject Red Knights £1.5bn bid to buy Man UnitedRooney's new £120k-a-week United deal on hold until after World CupGareth Bale signs four-year Tottenham deal to ward off interest from Manchester UnitedBattle of Britain. across the pond! United to play Celtic on American tourMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail