Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has insisted that he has improved as a player following a lengthy run in the club's starting lineup.

No United centre-back, including Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, has made more appearances than Evans over the past 18 months.

As a result, Northern Ireland international Evans feels that he is now showing the benefits of being selected on a regular basis.

"It has given me responsibility, maturity and helped develop my game. Last year, especially in the second half of the season, I played nearly every game," he told United Review. "I always say that the more games you play the more you learn. You can do as much training as you want but it's out on the pitch that you really learn.

"It's on the big stage that you gain experience. I've picked up a lot from being in the team and playing a lot of games.

"I also think physically it's helped me develop. It's a big ask on your body having to play that amount of games. Physically I feel a lot stronger for it."

Evans recently signed a new contract that has tied him to Old Trafford until the summer of 2016.