Manchester United have secured the future of starlet Jonny Evans, with a new four-year deal keeping him tied to the club hejoined as a kid.

Evans enjoyed a great season at United, filling in for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in a number of games this term.

"Jonny has signed a new deal," confirmed Ferguson.

"We have been working on it for a few months now and I am happy that he has signed it. Jonny Evans has played a lot of football this year.

In spite of all the successes this season, Jonny Evans wanst more matches for Manchester United next season.

"I've had over 25 starts this season and a few substitute appearances," he said. "Looking back at the start of the season, I definitely didn't think I would play this much.

"I've been helped along with a few injuries to some of the other players in defence, but I've enjoyed playing in some pretty big games this season.

"I've played in the two Chelsea games, which was great, especially the one at Old Trafford that we won 3-0.

Its being reported across the media that Jonny Evans will be offered a new contract by United.

He still has two years remaining on his current deal at Manchester United, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to keep him at the club, and is willing to offer him a new contract.

Evans has impressed for the reigning champions and his fantastic performances have attracted the attention of the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Jonny Evans after some stunning recent performances, and has labelled him the 'new Nemanja Vidic'.

In Tuesday's match programme Sir Alex wrote: "I take several positives from our form, including the performance of Jonny Evans."

"Jonny showed why one day he will be a regular Manchester United centre-half. A number of clubs have bid substantial amounts for him, but we have turned them all down because his future is with us.

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of the need for younsgeters like Jonny Evans to step their game up this year, or face up to the fact that they will never make it at Old Trafford.

Ferguson said: "When we signed these young lads, we thought they had the potential to go on and do well.

"They have now come to an age where we need to start making big decisions on them. We have to decide whether they should go on loan again or whether they can join our squad of 23 players.

"I would be delighted with that. It is a challenge for them as the standard of our team is high."

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has said that he was very impressed by the way Jonny Evans handledhimself when out on loan at the club, and would jump at the chance to secure him on a permanent basis.

Keane said: "If I thought there was an opportunity to bring Jonny to Sunderland, we would consider it.

"He did brilliantly for the club before, as did Danny, and it would be nice if we thought they'd come back."

Its been revealed that the player sent home by the Irish FA was Jonny Evans :(

Evans was fined for misbehaviour along with midfielder Keith Gillespie following the Euro 2008 qualifier in Iceland.

Wolves' Keith Gillespie was fined much more for fighting on the aeroplane as the team got on their flight to London.

Evans was punished for drinking after the defeat in Reykjavik.