Evans sets United challenge

Jonny Evans has challenged Manchester United to close the gap on Barcelona while maintaining their domestic dominance.

United are set to face Barca on their pre-season tour of the US - just two months after losing to the Spanish giants in the UEFA Champions League final.

After recovering from the ban on English teams to win European football's biggest prize in 1999 and 2008, United have been beaten by Barca in two of the last three finals.

But the Wembley defeat in May was particularly damning as United just could not contain Barca's passing game, with Pep Guardiola's men putting on one of the best performances seen in a Champions League final.

Evans watched from the sidelines after failing to make the matchday squad and although he accepts Barca are the new benchmark, the defender has urged United to regroup and conquer Europe once more.

"Barcelona have set the standard," he said.

"They have gone to another level. That is where we have to get to.

"Maybe 10 years ago, when Manchester United went into Europe, there was a gap to bridge and we managed to do it.

"The challenge is there for us again."

While this year's Champions League setback was a disappointing end to the season, Evans has told his team-mates to focus on the positives from a campaign that saw them clinch a record 19th league title - and a fourth in five years.

Chelsea and neighbours Man City are looking to mount a serious challenge to United next season but Evans believes keeping up that domestic form will provide the perfect platform to their European endeavours.

"It has been a successful era," he said.

"The defeat to Barcelona hurts and probably will do for a while yet.

"But you can't deny the fact we have been very dominant in the domestic game.

"That is a must for us every year. We must win the league and get close in the other trophies."