Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described the recent form of Jonny Evans as "excellent".

The Northern Ireland international was thrown into first-team action following Nemanja Vidic's season-ending injury in December.

However, Ferguson believes that the 25-year-old has more than put his mark on the team.

"He's been excellent," the Scot told Irish radio station U105.8fm. "He's maturing, his form in the last two months with Rio Ferdinand has been absolutely fantastic and that's really important to have a partnership at the back that's consistent and playing all the time."

Evans recently scored his first goal for United in a 5-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.