Man United defender Jonny Evans admits he was ‘not up to scratch’ in Northern Ireland’s 4-2 loss to Slovenia – as he struggles to bounce back after suffering defeat in his second Red Devils debut against Arsenal
- Northern Ireland loss vs Slovenia means they have one win from five qualifiers
- The defender recently signed a new one-year-deal at Manchester United
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All Kicking Off!
Manchester United’s new signing Jonny Evans has admitted his performance in Northern Ireland’s loss to Slovenia on Thursday was ‘not up to scratch’.
Michael O’Neill’s men were beaten 4-2 in Ljubljana, with the loss all but confirming they won’t qualify for Euro 2024.
Andraz Sporar opened the scoring inside three minutes, with Isaac Price levelling for Northern Ireland before goals from Petar Stojanovic and Benjamin Sesko put the hosts 3-1 up at half-time.
Despite Evans scoring in the second half, Sporar’s second goal of the match put the game out of Northern Ireland’s reach.
Jonny Evans admitted his performance at the back for Northern Ireland was ‘not up to scratch’
The loss all but confirms Northern Ireland will not qualify for Euro 2024 being held in Germany
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After the game Evans opened up about his personal performance after being caught out trying to play offside for Slovenia’s opener, and Sporar’s first goal inadvertently deflecting off him.
Evans confessed: ‘I didn’t think I played great myself. I know I got a goal, but my own personal performance probably wasn’t up to scratch.
‘I’m experienced enough and wise enough to admit that. We can’t be giving away cheap goals at the start of the game like we did.
‘It was difficult to take in terms of the defence. That’s something we have always been solid and quite strong with.
‘Even during the game I was thinking this is not a typical Northern Ireland match especially away from home.’
Northern Ireland have just one win in five Euro 2024 qualifiers, beating lowly San Marino courtesy of a brace from Dion Charles.
The rest of Group H is made up of Finland, Denmark Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
Evans recently signed a new one-year-deal at Manchester United after impressing Erik ten Hag in preseason, and the veteran defender was brought on in United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
The veteran defender was introduced to the game with the scores level at 1-1, but dramatic late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus ensured Arsenal took home all three points.
Evans appeared in Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend
The veteran defender scored in Northern Ireland’s loss, but was at fault for a few Slovenia goals
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