Evans sticks up for Stoke’s style

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans feels it is wrong to label Stoke the big and dirty bruisers of the Barclays Premier League.

Tony Pulis' men have been stereotyped as an uncompromising bunch, who have achieved their present status through brawn rather than brain.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe the perception is accurate. And ahead of tonight's Old Trafford meeting with Stoke, neither does Evans.

"Nobody ever looks forward to playing against Stoke," he said.

"They have a different approach to the way most teams play.

"People have this preconception of them and think that because they're a big side they're a dirty side.

"But that's not the case at all. They are hard but fair and Tony Pulis goes out of his way to make sure they do not cross that line."

Three points behind City, United can’t afford to slip further adrift if they are to gain any advantage from their vast experience over the run-in.

"It is a big programme," said Ferguson.

"From the middle of January until we go to Tottenham, it looked quite a daunting programme.

"But when you go back years ago in our title campaigns, we have always had periods of must-win games in a row and that is what we have here."

Although Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Anderson are all inching closer to full fitness, it seems Nani may be out for a while with a foot injury.

Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones are continuing to nurse ankle problems, but Rio Ferdinand could return following a back spasm.