Martin Keown, a former Premier League champion, has praised Erik ten Hag and Manchester United for their ‘brave’ choice to reassign Jonny Evans to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.
It was anticipated that Jonny Evans would perhaps occasionally come off the bench when he returned to Manchester United for a second stint after initially signing a short-term contract and later securing an extension during preseason.
Maybe a couple cameos in the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag’s hand was undoubtedly pushed by an almost unheard-of string of injuries, but the 35-year-old center-back proved beyond a shadow of a doubt on Saturday during the 1-0 victory over Burnley that he is much more than just a dressing room motivator.
His first Manchester United start since 2015 occurred then. With his first help since 2011, one made an impact.
If Bruno Fernandes’ incredible volley against Aston Villa was comparable to Robin van Persie’s, then it was Evans playing the Wayne Rooney position, slicing through the Burnley defense with a wonderful pass—and even using his weaker foot!—to do it.
Jonny Evans does well as Man United defeats Burnley.
“We must state, Jonny Evans… Keown, formerly of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton, describes the ball as “a wonderful ball” on BBC’s Match of the Day (23 September, 10.30pm).
“We were unsure of his signing. Jonny Evans made a courageous signing, in my opinion. He is the perfect player for this kind of scenario.
Even while Evans’ assist garnered all of the attention—he was doing his best Frank de Boer impersonation from 1998—the seasoned Irishman was equally good on the opposite end. He and Victor Lindelof made sure that Manchester United’s first clean sheet since the opening day against Arsenal meant that the absences of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw were not as felt in Lancashire as was anticipated.