Jonny Evans described Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Burnley as “one of the best nights of my life” after the defender made his first start for the club in more than eight years.
Evans produced a player-of-the-match performance at Turf Moor in his 200th appearance for United as his side secured a much-needed win after three successive defeats in all competitions.
The 35-year-old started for United for the first time since March 2015, having returned to the club from Leicester as a free agent in the summer, and set up Bruno Fernandes’ stunning first-half winner with a stunning ball over the top . defended resolutely throughout and had a header disallowed earlier.
Speak with TNT Sports After the match, Evans said: “I’ve loved every minute of it. Before the match you get a feeling, I couldn’t wait, just pure excitement. When I got here on the bus I was buzzing.
“That was my 200th game for Manchester United, I never thought I would ever reach that number. It was one of the best nights of my life.”
“I didn’t consciously think about signing (after I got the first call). When you get to a certain age you start to wind down your career. I got the call and had no other option, so I decided I just accepted it and tried to do my best during training and seize my chance. You just hope that your body will pull you through.
“It was never the thought that I would come in and be the starter. I was told that my role would be to provide competition and that’s how I went about it. After a few injuries I got the chance to start.
“They play differently here than we did at my previous club, so I’ve tried to get used to it and adapt my game. I think I did well tonight and really added my experience.”
Ten Hag: Evans gave Man Utd a break
United manager Erik ten Hag was delighted with Evans’ performance as his makeshift defense kept a clean sheet for the first time since their 1-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend.
Asked about the Northern Ireland international, Ten Hag said: “He showed personality. He was calm, collected and did everything right.
“It was a very good performance. He gave the team peace, coaching and his skills were brilliant with the goal.”
Bruno: Evans has great ball playing qualities
Evans’ assist for Fernandes was his first for United in all competitions since setting up Wayne Rooney’s goal against Fulham in February 2013.
“It was a great pass from Jonny,” said United captain Fernandes TNT Sports. “I know he has great qualities to play the ball in the back with both feet. I was waiting for it (the pass). Burnley gave space at the back, but it was difficult to get it at times and we took the opportunity when it was there.
“We know we were in a difficult phase, but we knew we could get out of it. Obviously the performance wasn’t the best, but we got the three points, which is the most important thing.
“We knew it would be a tough game. Burnley are playing really well and to be honest I don’t think the points they have reflect how good they are. We are happy to take home the win.”
Analysis: Throwback performance from Evans
Zinny Boswell from Sky Sports:
Jonny Evans replaced Erik ten Hag in times of need. In addition to his great assist and disallowed goal, according to Ten Hag, the defender was a coach on the field for him at the back.
Few expected the 35-year-old to be so decisive when he was announced in Man Utd’s starting line-up at Turf Moor. After all, the last time he started for Man Utd he played in a back four with Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo in Newcastle on March 4, 2015.
As at Turf Moor, the result ended in a 1-0 win for Man Utd, but the outcome was very different for Evans. That match was remembered for his alleged spitting at Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse. Louis van Gaal would then unleash the United Academy product.
Ten Hag offered Evans a second chance at Old Trafford after many felt he was let go too soon all those years ago. Critics derided his return but Evans’ presence on the pitch brought calm to Man Utd on Saturday in a season marked by chaos.
Evans had the most clearances on the pitch on Saturday evening and was United’s best player in terms of touches, passes and fouls won. It was a performance that reminded us why he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted defender in his final season at United.
Ten Hag had to protect Evans with two midfielders when he brought in Scott McTominay to play alongside Casemiro and set up a 4-2-3-1, but the defender offers his manager an alternative as the side struggle for confidence. He repays the confidence that Ten Hag showed in him by bringing him back.
What’s next for Man Utd?
26th September: Crystal Palace (H) – Carabao Cup, kick-off 8 p.m., live Air sports
September 30th: Crystal Palace (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
October 3: Galatasaray (H) – Champions League, kick-off 8 p.m
October 7: Brentford (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
21st of October: Sheffield United (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm