Before Gerard Pique left United for Barcelona, the thinking was that
Evans would definitely be at Old Trafford next season, because he and
Pique had been identified as the two young defenders who would shadow
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for first-team places.
Now Pique has gone, but that does not necessarily mean Sunderland can't continue toborrow Evans.
Wes Brown has resolved his future with United by signing a long-term
contract, while Irish utility player John O'Shea has now pledged to
fight for a first-team place.
That could pave the way for Evans to continue his development with a third loan spell at the Stadium of Light.
O'Shea, currently on duty with the Republic of Ireland, told reporters
he is determined to earn a regular place in United's starting line-up;
half of his appearances to date have been made as a substitute.
The Irishman revealed he would have been in line to start the Champions
League final against Chelsea if any of United's injured stars had not
recovered in time.
He said: "You just have to get on with it. The club has so many players
and in the build up to the final, the manager had every player fit.
"He said it was funny how this happens and said he wished we could play European Cup finals every week!
"Leaving has crossed my mind a lot of the time, but then I think 'where do you go when you leave a team like that?'
"That's an even bigger question. For the time being, I will stay where I am and fight for my place."