Blog: What a difference an Evans makes

There could have been concern about the sale of Joleon Lescott to our neighbouring rivals Aston Villa and the effect it may have on our defence.

Those fears have long since subsided with the impact Jonny has made and qualities he has shown.

It must have been difficult for Jonny to accept his 11 year career (including youth team progression) with a club such as United had come to an end.

To perform and succeed on that big a stage must surely be every footballers dream. To his credit, he makes the case for his departure simply to play football.

It's a testament to his character, professionalism and desire to achieve things in the game still.

OK, he won't be challenging for titles, or playing in the Champions League.

But he can become an icon here and help propel us to that next level, which would be consistent top half finishes and maybe cup successes.

Let us not forget the influence of our captain and midfield general Darren Fletcher in this.

Numerous conversations took place between the two and Fletch must have convinced him it was the right move.

This is another huge positive as it highlights squad harmony, trust, respect and a belief in the planned progression for the club.

Despite criticisms from certain quarters of Tony Pulis's methods, it can't be all that bad if we are attracting these types of highly decorated players with real pedigree.

And if they're also prepared to advocate the club and influence career decisions. That's with the exception of that freakish game against Everton.

We were without McAuley and lost Olsson early on, plus had to throw in a very out of sorts looking James Chester.

Take away the enforced substitution against Palace - and his absence became glaringly obvious - it has been a fantastic start for Jonny.

A very solid performance against the Saints was followed by a man of the match showing against Villa.

His last two performances have also been exceptional. He just exudes quality.

He reads the game well, tackles crisply and accurately, positions himself expertly, marshals the defence with supreme confidence and has good ability on the ball.

He has that hunger that all the top players have engrained in their psyches.

He has applied himself with the utmost professionalism and he has been commanding at the back, dominating opposing attackers and bossing the back line.

Following the closure of his United spell, one wondered whether the fallout from such a disappointment may hinder his progress here.

I think a classic example of this is evident in Rickie Lambert, who looks a shadow of the player he was in his Southampton days.

Even the basics seem too difficult for him to master at the moment. I hope he pulls through.

The hang over that Lambert is suffering following the end of his boyhood dream is certainly not apparent in Jonny.

He looks up for it. He has been the Shining light of our summer recruitment along with James McClean.

Concerns over Lescott's departure (who was often referred to as a Roll's Royce defender) are unfounded.

In fact, Lescott's stock sadly appears to have deteriorated rapidly with many Villa fans calling for him to be dropped in recent weeks.

It all points to a very shrewd piece of business all round.