Manchester United star Jonny Evans wary of Liverpool creating 'magic on the pitch'

Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans has sent a wary message ahead of the Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday 14 December, saying Brendan Rodgers "has some fantastic players who can still create magic on the pitch" even though the Anfield club is struggling.

After back-to-back wins against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Hull, Stoke and Southampton, United have put a bad start to the campaign behind them. Louis van Gaal's team is now third in the Premier League, seven points ahead of Liverpool.

However, Evans refuses to Rodgers' side for granted.

"We are in a bit of form in terms of results and Liverpool are not but all form goes out of the window in these games and anything can happen," he said to MUTV.

"I haven't seen many of their games this season, but I watched a bit of the one in the Champions League the other night against Basel.

"Obviously, they were under a wee bit of pressure to get a big result that they didn't get in the end. Luis Suarez has gone and maybe they aren't as strong, but they've still got some fantastic players who can still create magic on the pitch and that is something we will have to be careful of."

Having been on the sidelines since the 5-3 defeat against Leicester City on 21 September due to an injury, Evans returned to action during the victory over Southampton on Monday 8 December, coming off the bench 18 minutes into the game to replace the injured Chris Smalling.

"I obviously didn't start the game but I came on after [18] minutes, so it was good to get a run out and it was a tough game as well," he said.

"It was very fast paced and I certainly felt that in the first 10 minutes. It has been a frustrating time for me with injuries, so it was nice to get back involved. I had a few Reserves games leading up to it, just building up slowly and the manager wanted me to do that.

"I think he wants everyone to make sure that there is no chance of breaking down again. It was nice to get back involved, I didn't get the 90 minutes but it was still quite a challenge for me physically."

Evans, 26, believes he can help youngsters such Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett establish themselves in the first team.

He said: "I remember whenever I was in the Reserves, we had a period when Gary Neville was coming back from injury and he played. It gave everyone a lift and we were always trying to learn from him, so maybe, with me being there, the lads might say that as well."