Evans' Christmas spirit

While many people are relishing some time off over Christmas, it’s business as usual for United – and Jonny Evans doesn’t mind one bit.

The Reds face Wigan on 26 December and Blackburn five days later in a festive schedule that’s lighter than usual – and kinder because both games are at home.

Evans is looking forward to the Latics’ visit on Boxing Day and even revealed he enjoys training on Christmas Day.

"It's a period we enjoy," the defender told ManUtd.com. "You'd think we get annoyed because we don't get to spend Christmas with our family, but it's quite a nice feeling coming into training on Christmas morning. It's only a short and sharp session.

"We have a game on Boxing Day and it's always a big day for the fans. It's a different sort of atmosphere – everybody's up for it. I remember going to Boxing Day games at Old Trafford as a fan and there was always something a bit special about it.

"It's nice that we have two home games. I can remember in the past spending Christmas night travelling up to Sunderland, for instance. It's good to be at home and we don't have to leave the house until a bit later.

"We want to finish off the year in a good way. Any game we play at home we expect to win – I don't think the fact that it's a Christmas game makes any difference."

Struggling Wigan are third bottom in the league but have showed some fighting spirit in recent weeks, winning at Sunderland before drawing against