Jonny Evans started against Burnley because Erik ten Hag had limited options at the back.
At 35-years-old and playing for Manchester United, Evans knows this is the case but he is more than happy to stand in and do a job when called upon. Every manager needs players like that.
Evans was chosen as the emergency option to cover for United’s deficiencies at Turf Moor. It was his first start for the Reds since 2015 and he replaced Lisandro Martinez, who didn’t travel with the squad to the game. Harry Maguire was unavailable yet again and Raphael Varane came off the bench to make his return from injury.
The Northern Ireland international was unlucky to have a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, but he also led by example in defence and provided an assist for the game’s only goal as fans were gifted with a wonderful Bruno Fernandes volley on the brink of half-time.
Evans racked up a number of impressive stats as he returned to the line-up against Burnley, courtesy of Statman Dave. The centre-back recorded a 91% success rate for passes after completing 60/66.
Jonny Evans’ game by numbers vs. Burnley:
91% pass accuracy
81 touches
60/66 passes completed
8 clearances
2/2 ground duels won
2/2 aerial duels won
1 key pass
1 assistGreat performance at the back. 🪨 pic.twitter.com/Tgyt2Qt9t8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 23, 2023
The centre-back made 8 clearances and won all of his duels (4/4) on the ground and in the air. And, to top it all off, an assist to be proud of.
It was a performance Evans can be proud of at a time United needed him to stand up.
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