Evans arrested after Man Utd party rape claim

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans was being questioned today over the alleged rape of a woman at the club's Christmas party, sources said.

The 19-year-old was arrested yesterday following the party at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police were called to the hotel at 4.15am yesterday following reports that a 26-year-old woman had been raped.

A police spokeswoman said a man was arrested on suspicion of rape yesterday evening after presenting himself for questioning.

A Manchester United spokeswoman declined to comment.

Evans is a rising star at Manchester United, making three appearances this season.

The defender spent last season on loan at Sunderland. He has played for Northern Ireland eight times but has not got a regular place in Manchester United's first team.

The Great John Street Hotel is a boutique 'town house' hotel converted from a Victorian schoolhouse in the trendy Castlefield area of Manchester.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the entire Manchester United first team - excluding Cristiano Ronaldo - attended the club's annual Christmas party.

The players were reportedly entertained by burlesque dancers during their meal at the Manchester 235 Casino.

They were also reported to have had a drink at the Old Grapes, a pub owned by former Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn.

This morning, the Manchester United players arrived as normal at their Carrington training ground shortly after 9am. Evans was not among them.