Manchester United defender Jonny Evans believes he would not deserve to be at the club if he was not prepared to accept fresh competition for his place in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
Two seasons ago, the Northern Ireland international appeared a worthy successor to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
But the form Evans showed as a regular stand-in deserted him last term.
He was overtaken by new boy Chris Smalling and, despite the departures of Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland, now faces an additional threat following the big-money arrival of Phil Jones from Blackburn.
However, Evans is not fazed by the challenge.
Now 23, the Belfast-born player has been around long enough to know battles always have to be fought at a club the size of United.
"I have always thought that being at a club like Manchester United, if you can't accept a challenge of someone wanting your spot, you don't deserve to be here," he said ahead of tonight's United States tour opener against the New England Revolution in Boston.
"That is what Manchester United is all about. You are constantly being tested.
"It is down to you, whether you are good enough, or whether you are putting the effort in to play for the first team."
Evans was speaking at a Special Olympics event in Boston, organised in partnership with United's foundation and their main sponsors Aon.
It was the first in a series of initiatives during the course of their three-week tour aimed at using the Special Olympics to offer sporting activities for local youngsters suffering from learning disabilities.
Evans was an enthusiastic helper of the 31 kids involved, although his thoughts never strayed too far from next season, and the opportunity to wipe out memories of his side's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
"That defeat will stick in the lads' heads," said Evans of the 3-1 reverse, when Barca produced a performance the equal of any from a club side in the history of the game.
"These lads have been so successful throughout their careers but they still remember defeats.
"I am sure they will have that at the back of their minds coming into the new season.
"Barcelona have set the standard. They have gone to another level.
"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. Hopefully we can get closer to them."
Evans' fellow defender Rio Ferdinand has, meanwhile, hailed Fergie’s £50m-worth of business already this summer.
Blackburn defender Jones, England forward Ashley Young and Spain Under-21 keeper David de Gea have all completed their moves to Old Trafford, making up for the retirement of Edwin van der Sar and the departures of John O’Shea and Wes Brown to Sunderland.
“It is just what the club needs,” said Ferdinand. “Three of our most experienced players have retired, so the manager has reinforced certain positions on the field.
“This club is always evolving. That is what has happened since I have been here. I was part of it.
“That is what you aim to do. It is not about your personal feelings. It is about the club becoming better and more stable and continuing the success we have had over the years.
“We have some very young players coming through the youth team already, so when the manager adds players of quality like Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea, it can only improve the squad, increase our longevity and continue our success.”
Two seasons ago, the Northern Ireland international appeared a worthy successor to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
But the form Evans showed as a regular stand-in deserted him last term.
He was overtaken by new boy Chris Smalling and, despite the departures of Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland, now faces an additional threat following the big-money arrival of Phil Jones from Blackburn.
However, Evans is not fazed by the challenge.
Now 23, the Belfast-born player has been around long enough to know battles always have to be fought at a club the size of United.
"I have always thought that being at a club like Manchester United, if you can't accept a challenge of someone wanting your spot, you don't deserve to be here," he said ahead of tonight's United States tour opener against the New England Revolution in Boston.
"That is what Manchester United is all about. You are constantly being tested.
"It is down to you, whether you are good enough, or whether you are putting the effort in to play for the first team."
Evans was speaking at a Special Olympics event in Boston, organised in partnership with United's foundation and their main sponsors Aon.
It was the first in a series of initiatives during the course of their three-week tour aimed at using the Special Olympics to offer sporting activities for local youngsters suffering from learning disabilities.
Evans was an enthusiastic helper of the 31 kids involved, although his thoughts never strayed too far from next season, and the opportunity to wipe out memories of his side's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
"That defeat will stick in the lads' heads," said Evans of the 3-1 reverse, when Barca produced a performance the equal of any from a club side in the history of the game.
"These lads have been so successful throughout their careers but they still remember defeats.
"I am sure they will have that at the back of their minds coming into the new season.
"Barcelona have set the standard. They have gone to another level.
"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. Hopefully we can get closer to them."
Evans' fellow defender Rio Ferdinand has, meanwhile, hailed Fergie’s £50m-worth of business already this summer.
Blackburn defender Jones, England forward Ashley Young and Spain Under-21 keeper David de Gea have all completed their moves to Old Trafford, making up for the retirement of Edwin van der Sar and the departures of John O’Shea and Wes Brown to Sunderland.
“It is just what the club needs,” said Ferdinand. “Three of our most experienced players have retired, so the manager has reinforced certain positions on the field.
“This club is always evolving. That is what has happened since I have been here. I was part of it.
“That is what you aim to do. It is not about your personal feelings. It is about the club becoming better and more stable and continuing the success we have had over the years.
“We have some very young players coming through the youth team already, so when the manager adds players of quality like Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea, it can only improve the squad, increase our longevity and continue our success.”
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