EXCLUSIVE: Fergie warns United's troubled Evans but spares him the hairdryer treatment in a show of support

Evans, 19, has endured what his family have described as 'the worst 72 hours of his life' after being accused of raping a 26-year-old woman while at United's party in a Manchester hotel on Monday night and he was fearful of how hardline Ferguson would react.

But while enraged that United's name had been dragged into unwanted controversy, Ferguson chose not to use his infamous 'hairdryer' treatment and blast Evans.

Instead, he spoke sternly yet calmly to the young defender about his behaviour and the pitfalls facing players.

Although insisting his innocence, Evans was fearful of what Ferguson would say and the effect the incident would have on his future, yet he may even find himself in the squad to face Everton on Sunday as the manager tries to return the club to normality.

The atmosphere was subdued at Carrington yesterday.

Ferguson reiterated his belief that the senior players should have been more protective of the younger members of the squad and underlined that they will no longer be able to hold Christmas parties before the New Year as he laid down the law.

Yet Ferguson, although mindful of the severity of the case, is keen to show support to Evans and his family as they contest the charges.

Former United captain Bryan Robson yesterday called for a blanket ban on club parties and believes it is 'asking for trouble' to let players enjoy a night on the town.

As manager of Sheffield United, the ex-England skipper has kept his players on a tight leash during his first Christmas in charge.

He said: 'It's always nice for players to get together at Christmas but the days of them going out as a group to nightclubs are over.

'It's just asking for trouble if players go out together. It's better to have a party in-house where the lads can enjoy time with each other but not be in the public eye.'

Robson was said to have been involved in a drinking culture at United that Ferguson sought to stamp out.

Unlike Paul McGrath, his career stayed on the straight and narrow, though he admits: 'The lads nowadays are just playing at it!

'Joking apart, I left at a time when some great young lads were coming through. I remember that Sir Alex wouldn't allow any of the younger ones to go out with the seniors.

He was trying to change the attitude to Christmas parties and now I think they are a thing of the past.

'Sir Alex will not be happy, to say the least, about what happened. It's bad publicity for United.'

Robson is trying to set the same example. He said: 'You stress to players that you don't want any trouble, especially approaching a hectic run at Christmas.

'You don't mind them having a meal out and a glass of wine. And you hope it's only that. Certainly, you hope it doesn't become a drinking session or a binge.'

And Robson is only too aware that high-profile celebrities are easy prey for mischief makers. 'You will get people trying to set them up,' he added.

United, meanwhile, have signed Angola international striker Manucho Goncalves, 24, from Petro Luanda after a three-week trial.