Jonny Evans started against Burnley but came off with a score. Photo: Shutterstock/Peter Powell. Match review: Burnley v Manchester United
Having spent £175m on transfers this summer, Manchester United's inspiration to end a worrying run of defeats came in the form of Jonny Evans, their 35-year-old free agent, who returned to Carrington were looking for a player in the preseason. his next club.
Erik Ten Hag was looking for players who could take on the challenge after almost a month of nothing but defeats, and few would have thought that Evans could turn his campaign around. However, the veteran defender, in his first United start since 2015, provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes' goal to calm nerves at Turf Moor.
“It was my 200th game for Manchester United, I never thought I would do it.” ever reach that number, it’s the best night of my life,” Evans said. «I loved every minute of it. Before the game there's a feeling that I couldn't wait, just excitement. Driving up here on the bus, I was excited.»
United were not fluent but these would be small steps towards recovery after their problems were so mercilessly exposed by their opponents in the previous three matches. Vincent Kompany helped turn Manchester blue over the last decade during his illustrious City career, but his Burnley side were arguably United's best opponents in their predicament.
His Burnley's team had the youngest average age in the Premier League this season and were at times exciting but also naive. However, at this stage, a win is a win for Ten Hag and he will take advantage of any win he can get. Home games against Crystal Palace and Brentford, followed by a trip to Sheffield United, give United another chance to recapture the form they showed at times last season.
Zeki Amdouni hit the post for Burnley during a brilliant first half. Photo: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt
United's defensive line looks makeshift, with short-term solutions to offset their injury concerns. But Evans brings a familiar confidence to this struggling team. The sole survivor of Sir Alex Ferguson's era, he was here for United 14 years ago when Burnley reached the Premier League for the first time and Robbie Blake scored the famous winner. «Johnny Evans is a red…» United fans chanted as he was substituted at the last minute.
«He gave the team peace of mind. His playing skills were brilliant, as was his ability to score goals.” was Ten Hag's assessment. “We have injury problems, but we are very pleased that he has the character and skills. Even if things go against you, you can bounce back.”
Evans, 35, only returned to United this summer to keep fit while he looked for a new club, but ended up staying to make up for lost time. for preseason. It says a lot about Ten Hag's defense that the manager insisted on a one-year deal for the veteran, who was given his first United start in more than eight years. Lisandro Martinez was added to Ten Hag's injured list, while Harry Maguire was also sidelined.
Organization. Communication. Solidity. It was these qualities that explained Ten Hag's decision when asked about Evans. It was Ten Hag's desperate attempt to breathe life into United's season after such poor performances, in which even victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest were inconclusive.
Ten Haeg might have had few complaints about Evans; application to Turf Moor. Photo: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt
“I didn’t consciously think I would sign [after the first call],” Evans admitted. “When you reach a certain age, your career starts to wind down. I got the call and I had no other choice so I just took it and tried to do my best in training and take my chance. Then you just hope your body can handle you.
“Never thought I'd come in as a starter, I was told my role would be to provide competition and that's how I came up to that. After several injuries, I now have a chance to start.”
Evans thought he had given United the lead when he nodded home to Sergio Reguilon's corner. Replays showed Rasmus Hoylund standing in front of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and in an offside position. Ten Hag's glance at the touchline suggested that it had never rained, only poured.
But the moment of magic came just as the clock ticked into first-half stoppage time. Evans was involved in the play, flicking the ball behind the Burnley defenders, prompting an opening salvo from his captain. Bruno's shot struck his laces nicely and flew into the bottom corner. He covered his ears with his triumph. Goals are the only way United can shake off the noise this season.
“It was a must win and we knew it. The team took to the field. You could see the characters in the dressing room,” Ten Hag said. “It's just one win but we saw there was cohesion and fight in the dressing room, a really good spirit in the dressing room.”
Line-ups: Burnley v Manchester United.
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