Manchester United finally have their first win of the Europa League this season as they beat PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford powered by Amad’s brace.
The hero of the game was unquestionably Amad as his fearless running and determination led to both goals as United generally struggled.
However, it was their first clean sheet in Europe this season so the defence deserves some credit too, and MUTV pundits pointed out one player after the game, outside of Amad, who was ‘brilliant’.
Ruud van Nistelrooy rotated his defence a bit, as both centre-backs were changed, with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof taking their place.
MUTV pundits hail brilliant Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans has enjoyed a career resurgence at Old Trafford after arriving as an emergency backup to keep his fitness up.
After an unexpectedly good last year, he has continued his form this season, with his absence noticeable which is the biggest compliment that can be paid to him.
As a genuine squad option now, he came in vs PAOK in a reshuffled back line, as Lindelof started alongside him and Dalot and Mazraoui’s flanks were switched.
Evans kept his calm and composure, however, leading to another dependable display with the clean sheet an icing on the cake.
MUTV pundits raved about him after the game, pointing out one moment in particular which summed up his qualities.
Ben Thornley, MUTV pundit and former United player said: “He [Evans] is brilliant. He really never lets you down. He wasn’t leaving anything out there in the game and it was summed up in his tackle near the end of the game.
“It was firm but fair and PAOK had probably the best chance of the game with that.”
The game could have been set for a nervy finish had that gone in near the end but Evans’ intervention allowed United to see it through comfortably.
Evans will have a role to play under Ruben Amorim
Evans said near the start of the season that he would have retired had he not received another contract extension which speaks volumes about his loyalty to the club.
With Ruben Amorim bringing a back-three formation to United, there will be a need for depth in numbers in the middle of defence.
Evans is likely not suited for either of the wide centre-back roles but he can certainly do a job in the middle centre-back role when Matthijs de Ligt needs a rest.
As a dressing room, he will be crucial for Amorim as he tries to put his own stamp on the squad. In fact, Evans is just about two years younger than his manager so they can be on the same wavelength.
He is certainly doing his prospects no harm at all with his displays when given the chances, which have been more than he would have expected when he signed.
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