Evans critical after Derby display

Jonny Evans has admitted that Manchester United were poor in the League Cup semi-final first-leg tie at Derby. The Ulsterman played at centre-half alongside Nemanja Vidic as the Red Devils lacked fight against a spirited Rams side. Kris Commons' superb strike on the half-hour mark settled the game but Evans is hopeful that United can turn things around in the second-leg.

Evans has accepted that United were poor after Derby dominated proceedings for long periods at Pride Park.

Commons' goal settled the first-leg - but United were lucky to escape Derbyshire only one goal behind after Rob Hulse spooned an effort over the bar from only yards out.

"It's a two-legged tie and we'll take them back to Old Trafford still with a good chance. We knew we were going to have to battle hard, but I don't think we did it well enough all over the pitch and they certainly did better than us in that area." said the Northern Irish international.

"They reacted to every ball and were just that little bit sharper. We were very poor by our own standards and Derby probably deserved the win. We never thought this tie was going to be simple.

"We've come up against a few Championship teams in the Carling Cup over the last couple of years and had some difficult games. It's going to be another tough game at Old Trafford, but I'm sure both sides will look forward to it and may the best team win."

Evans made one important clearance off the line before the break as Derby created a series of chances. We awarded him 6/10 in our player ratings for the evenign which you can view by clicking here.