Amid the 'Battle of Britain' hype and a simmering atmosphere in Celtic's visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, it speaks volumes that Rio Ferdinand's absence was barely noticed.
Jonny Evans' seamless integration into a rarely shuffled backline was one of the outstanding aspects of United's swaggering win. The 20-year-old went about his business with a stylish aplomb befitting of Ferdinand himself, and was delighted to play a part as United stormed to a 3-0 victory.
"The gaffer insists on good defending and the whole team plays a part in that," Evans told MUTV. "But sometimes there's a lot of attacking and not much defending to do!
"I thought we played some really good stuff and any team would have found it difficult with the attacking options we have. Some of our play was great and we probably should have scored more goals."
The Reds' victory cemented top spot in Group E, with qualification for the knockout phases now within touching distance. Should early progress be secured, Evans is hopeful that he will be afforded more run-outs as he endeavours to further his football education.
"We have seven points now, so hopefully if we get two or three more we'll be safe in the group," he said. "People say when you get to 10 points you're more or less through.
"We have so many good players that there's competition for places all over the park. For me it's harder to get in because we don't chop and change defenders. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown are great players, but hopefully I'll get more chances."
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