Erik ten Hag was certainly questioned when he made the decision to bring Jonny Evans back to Manchester United this summer.
The Dutch manager decided the defender, who left United back in 2015, would be the ideal option for the Red Devils but it didn’t seem Evans would feature that much for the Red Devils.
\Well, the Northern Irish defender has featured perhaps more than the United manager thought he would.
The current injury crisis at centre-back has meant the 35-year-old man was tasked with playing alongside Victor Lindelof at Turf Moor.
Ten Hag’s reasoning for signing Evans
The Dutch manager has given his reasoning as to why United decided to award the former Leicester City defender a one-year contract at the club.
“In the summer, I heard he was in, he was to train with the Under-21s,” Ten Hag told the United website. “I said, ‘Fletch (Darren Fletcher), come bring him in with the first team, maybe he can help us.”
The defender was originally at the club on a trial period but seemingly impressed Ten Hag during the pre-season tour for him to be awarded a one-year contract.
“We decided to sign him because I think he can contribute to the squad,” added Ten Hag. “And today you have seen how massively important he can be.”
Will Evans feature more now
The defender certainly impressed during the crucial win over Burnley and provided the superb cross-field pass for Bruno Fernandes’ stunning volley.
The defender could well feature more for the Red Devils if the injury crisis that has engulfed the club so far this season subsides.
However, It seems likely that won’t be the case with Raphael Varane making his return from injury as he came on for the final 10 minutes of the game.
Evans’ experience, whether he features more or not, could be key for United as the season progresses and you wonder if the Northern Irishman could start against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this week.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
