Jonny Evans reveals who his biggest help was during his first spell at United

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Jonny Evans made his first competitive start for Manchester United during the 1-0 win over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley at Turf Moor.

The 35-year-old defender rejoined the Old Trafford club after impressing during pre-season for Manchester United, he was awarded a one-year deal with the club.

Evans provided the game-winning assist as his fantastic crossfield pass to Bruno Fernandes led to the stunning volley from the Portuguese international which won the Red Devils the game.

The defender was drafted in as a last-minute replacement for Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, who both were not seen with the United squad due to injury.

Evans on his United experience

The Northern Irishman came through the club’s academy at a time when United were on top of the world.

Winning Premier League titles and Champions League trophies, United were the team to beat.

Evans came in as Nemanja Vidic began suffering from injury issues and then became more of a feature in the United side during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at the club.

Evans, speaking to the United website, has revealed which player helped him the most during his early days at the club.

“Off the pitch, I’ll have to say Rio (Ferdinand), [he was] unbelievable for myself,” Evans explained when asked about his biggest influences.

“You know, as a young lad coming in, he really sort of [helped], I kind of felt like he took me under his wing a bit. And I think he did that with all the young lads, all the Academy players coming through.”

Evans to help the next generation of players

At 35 years old, with plenty of experience under his belt, the defender may well be the player that the youngster goes to if they need help.

Evans will now have the role that Ferdinand had and will have to adapt to being more of a mentor. It should come naturally for him.

You get the feeling that one of the main reasons the defender was brought back into the fold on a one-year deal was the experience he could give to a side that doesn’t have much when it comes to winning Premier League titles.