Jonny Evans delighted to have been Manchester United captain - despite shock defeat to MK Dons

The defender led United during their 4-0 loss in the Capital One Cup

Thursday 28 August 2014 09:31 BST
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Jonny Evans was at fault for the first goal
Jonny Evans was at fault for the first goal

Jonny Evans will look back with pride on his first game as Manchester United captain - despite the humiliating result.

The Northern Ireland defender wore the armband as United were hammered 4-0 by MK Dons in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

It would be fair to say it was not the 26-year-old's finest performance - he presented Ben Reeves with the ball to set up Will Grigg's opener and was nutmegged by Benik Afobe as the on-loan Arsenal striker went through to score the League One side's fourth goal.

Even Dons chairman Pete Winkelman acknowledged United "looked uncertain defensively" - but Evans would not let the horrendous result overshadow the honour bestowed on him by manager Louis van Gaal.

"It's a massive thing in my career to captain Manchester United," he told the Daily Star.

"While I was disappointed with the result, wearing the armband isn't something many people get to do so I'm proud of that."

Louis van Gaal (right) and Ryan Giggs look on from the touchline during the 4-0 MK Dons defeat

Michael Keane, Marnick Vermijl and Reece James made up the rest of an unfamiliar back four and Van Gaal claimed afterwards his selection was dictated by injuries and fixture congestion.

The outcome echoed Evans' first senior appearance for United - a shock 2-0 defeat to Coventry, also in the League Cup, in 2007.

Evans continued: "In circumstances like these, I'm sure the manager would like to blood debutants alongside more experienced players, but because we played on Sunday I don't think that was possible.

"There's a consequence of that, I learnt that myself on my debut against Coventry a few years ago, but it's a big learning experience.

"I think the most important thing is to pick yourself up, learn from it and don't dwell on it too much."

PA

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