For the second season in a row, the 20-year-old has been a class act for Sunderland in the second half of the season and while the Black Cats covet him, Manchester United are very much aware of the prodigious talent they have on their hands.

The Northern Ireland international's future remains very much up in the air although a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light might yet be agreed – something which would be a huge boost to the Black Cats.

But for the moment, Evans is happy to go with the flow and just enjoy regular first team football on Wearside.

He said: "I wish I knew myself where I'll be next season to be honest.

"I'm asked continually about what's going to happen next season but I honestly haven't got a clue.

"And I suspect the Sunderland manager and maybe not even the Manchester United manager has a clue at this stage.

"Things can happens so quickly, especially over the close season so there's no point guessing.

"Whether I'm still in Manchester United's plans, I don't know, but I think that letting me move was good for them because it has improved me as a player.

"I think the move was good for Sunderland, good for me and good for Manchester United.

"So we'll just have to wait and see but what I can say is that I've been very happy here.

"It's my second spell at Sunderland and I've had two half seasons so far and maybe next season I'll get a full season.

"I missed both derby games, which is a real disappointment because I was looking forward to them.

"But I'm glad we stayed up and are back in the Premiership next season.

"We were able to celebrate after the Boro game and that was nice because we all knew we were finally safe.

"The manager said around Christmas-time that I could go out on loan again and he asked me where I would like to go.

"For me, it was good to be coming back to Sunderland.

"I loved my time here first time around and I was just glad to get back here.

"It was great to win the Young Player of the Year award last year and it's great to have won it this time around too.

"Now I'm thinking about growing my beard a bit so I can go for the senior player award next year!

"It would be nice to play for a full season and show the fans over a longer period of time what I can do.

"I've enjoyed each game as much as I enjoyed it last year."