Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans has hit out at critics who feel the Northern Irishman is having a torrid time this season.

The 24-year-old wants people to not focus solely on his red card in the Manchester derby earlier in the campaign but look to his consistent form at the back.

Evans has been a regular for Sir Alex Ferguson because of Nemanja Vidic's long-term injury and has played the full 90 minutes in United's last six league outings.

"I feel I have hit the ground running this season and I feel better than I ever have," said Evans, who has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for this Wednesday's friendly against Norway. "I'm stronger and fitter and I believe my game has reflected that. I am also feeling in good shape ahead of Wednesday.

"As for me, people will look back to the derby game against Manchester City and think my season hasn't gone well but I think I'm playing well.

"When you take into consideration the scale of the derby game, people want the blame pointed at someone and because of my red card and how the game ended [it's pointed at me]."

Evans has 28 senior caps for his country.