Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag had a lot to say after the team’s derby defeat to Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United fell to a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, with the home team making their pressure pay in the second half.
The loss leaves a big uphill battle for United in the race for the Champions League places, and there was not a lot to be left feeling positive about.
Two players who did catch the eye were centre-backs Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, with fans praising their defensive performances during the game.
Jonny Evans praised
Jonny Evans was substituted in the 69th minute with the score at 1-1. It was not a change the manager wanted to make.
Erik ten Hag explained after the match that Evans and Marcus Rashford had both played through injury, and were unable to complete the 90 minutes.
Evans won two tackles, made four clearances, and two interceptions, and also won four out of four duels he contested.
Speaking post-game, Ten Hag picked out the 36-year-old for praise, explaining he was pleased with his display.
The manager said: “Jonny played brilliantly with Rapha [Varane] in the centre.”
Ten Hag opinion on Evans backed
It was an assessment shared by former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin, who used the same description with his verdict on Evans’ display.
Dublin, speaking to BBC Sport, commented: “Jonny Evans has had a good game today, an old head on old shoulders!
“He knows the game well and he has done brilliantly.”
Evans was signed as an emergency back-up option for United in the summer, and he has ended up starting in both Manchester derby matches.
That speaks to the defensive injury problems United have suffered this season. But on both occasions, Evans has not let himself down.
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