Who’d have imagined that, seven matches into Manchester United’s 2024/2025 Premier League campaign, three-time title winner Jonny Evans would be reaping the accolades over his younger teammates?
That’s been the case following the Reds’ stalemate away to Aston Villa on Sunday, which saw the 36-year-old called upon to make his first league start of the term.
He and Harry Maguire were preferred to the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt in a tactical change that was met with raised eyebrows from supporters. However, the pair were quick to repay Erik ten Hag’s faith.
Keeping Villa’s relentless attackers at bay is a task in any scenario, but taking to a riled-up Villa Park, with the side fresh off the back of humbling European giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week, had left the odds firmly stacked against United.
Of course, a win would’ve presumably given Ten Hag some credit in the bank in the eyes of the on-watching INEOS chiefs, but he can thank his backline – and Andre Onana – for their efforts in keeping a fourth clean sheet. It could very well keep the Dutchman in a job amid reports of interest in Thomas Tuchel.
Evans, remarkably, was colossal throughout the clash, and his statistics only echo the sentiment; per Sofascore, the veteran recorded an 86 per cent pass completion, won 11 out of his 12 duels attempted, won four tackles and made three clearances in 90 minutes – which unsurprisingly earned him the Player of the Match award upon the full-time whistle.
Graham Potter’s high praise for Jonny Evans
Reacting to the centre-half’s stellar showing on Match of the Day 2, United-linked Graham Potter hailed Evans for his efforts, telling the panel: “Sometimes in football, it’s less important to be fast [and] it’s more important to be on time, in the right position on time.
“Any young defender watching there, it’s almost a masterclass about how to use strengths and combat what the opponent can do to you.”
