And the Manchester United centre-back – wanted again by Sunderland boss Roy Keane – expects he will be with the Red Devils for pre-season.

A season-long loan – Evans's third temporary move to the Stadium of Light – has been mooted for a man who has made such an impact on Wearside that he is most fans' top summer target.

But the 20-year-old Northern Ireland international says he must wait on decisions he can't influence.

Evans said: "I'm not in control at all of what happens now.

"I will just go back to Man United and keep my head down.

"I've got used to that last season. I wasn't involved much in the first-half of the season there and I just tried to do the best I could.

"You are not really in control of anything that goes on when you are under contract.

"If any club wants to make a bid for me, it is down to them and Man United to decide what happens.

"I don't know what is going to happen and I won't be knocking on Sir Alex Ferguson's door asking questions because he's in charge and I'm sure he'll let me know what's happening."

Evans came on loan in January last year and played a big part in Sunderland's march to the Championship title.

He was just as influential last season after another January arrival on loan with the Black Cats scrapping for their Premier League survival.

Sunderland fans chanted "sign him on" and "there's only one Jonny Evans" as the curtain came down on the season – and possibly his career on Wearside – with a 1-0 loss to the Gunners.

"Because I play on the left side of the defence I think those fans in the South West Corner get to see a lot of me!" he said.

"But it's nice of them to sing my name.

"I think I will start pre-season at United, but you can never tell what's going to happen.

"I'll just go away on holiday and relax for a while."

Despite retaining a burning desire to be a success at Old Trafford, Evans admits it will be hard to go back to the fringes at United, if that's what happens.

He said: "Any kid will tell you he wants to play in the Premier League.

"It has been great being back at Sunderland testing myself against the top players.

"We have lost a lot of games, but the experience of playing in this league can only make you better and of course I want a lot more of it."