Evans' joy of six at Manchester United as defender gets used to Pallister's old jersey

Jonny Evans is reading nothing into his newly acquired Manchester United No 6 six shirt.

With Wes Brown opting to end his lifelong association with United and sign for Sunderland in the summer, the shirt that has also been worn in the past by Gary Pallister suddenly became vacant.

Skipper Nemanja Vidic was not keen to give up his No 15, so after due consideration, Sir Alex Ferguson opted to pass the shirt on to Evans.

Getting stuck in: Jonny Evans in United's win over Arsenal on Sunday

It was not a decision the Northern Ireland international had to think about. Then again, it was not one he attached any particular significance to either.

'I am not superstitious at all,' he said. 'It doesn't bother me. I got a phone call one day and they said the manager wanted to know if I wanted the No 6 shirt.

'I said "why not". It's more of a defender's number than 23 and looks a bit nicer. Tom Cleverley's got 23 now and I'm sure he'll take good care of it.

'But I am sure the manager doesn't really think about stuff like that - and I don't either. I don't have anything like that going on in my head.'

Suits you sir: Defender Evans is enjoying wearing the No 6 shirt for United

In any case, if Evans wore it on international duty against Serbia and Estonia over the coming days, on pure tradition, it would be the wrong one.

Bizarre as it sounds, the man who on Sunday managed to prevent Rio Ferdinand claiming a starting berth for the massacre of Arsenal at Old Trafford cannot get a central defensive spot when he reports for Northern Ireland duty.

'I have been playing there quite a while for Northern Ireland,' he said. 'I'd say 90 per cent of my caps have been at full-back.

Legend: The likes of Gary Pallister (left) has worn the No 6 top for United

'We don't really have anyone capable of playing left-back at the minute but we've quite a lot of centre-backs - it's one of the strongest points for Northern Ireland.

'I'm happy to play at left-back and get a bit of practice on my left peg.

'It helps my fitness as well. I am absolutely shattered after a game.'