(Video) ‘Is this actually happening?’ – Jonny Evans reacts to making first United start in eight years

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Jonny Evans of Manchester United waves to the fans at full time during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester United at Turf Moor on September 23, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Jonny Evans started his first Manchester United game since March 2015 on Saturday evening when the side took on Burnley at Turf Moor. 

Injuries to Erik ten Hag’s first-choice centre-backs meant that the Northern Ireland international was given the nod to fill the void in United’s backline, and he did exactly what the manager asked of him.

Evans found the back of the net himself in the first half when he headed home to break the deadlock from a corner, however, VAR intervened and chalked it off due to Rasmus Hojlund being offside in the build-up.

He then played Bruno Fernandes through on goal with a scintillating over-the-top pass, which the club captain struck sweetly with a superb volley to make it 1-0 in United’s favour.

Evans also contributed to the Reds’ clean sheet – their second of the season.

Evans reacts

Post-match, he gushed about representing his boyhood club again, telling MUTV: “It’s quite surreal actually, I was thinking, ‘is this actually happening?’. I have to say since I’ve come back into the club, [there are] so many familiar faces, and I’ve been here at the club such a long time like the both of you [interviewers].”

“You know, it’s just amazing to see everyone again – I feel at home,” Evans continued. “And in a way, it doesn’t feel like I’ve ever left, in a strange way. But on the other side of it, it feels a bit surreal, but that was an amazing feeling, that tonight.”

Footage courtesy of Man Utd.

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