As Jonny Evans left the Villa Park pitch, the travelling faithful gave their popular star a fully deserved ovation after another impressive showing in Manchester United’s goalless draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League.
It is a testament to the Belfast native that, at 36 years of age – making just his fifth appearance of the season, he still delivers such reliable performances at the highest level of English football.
The veteran defender was named the Man of the Match against the Villans, as he helped marshal the defence alongside Harry Maguire, who had to be replaced at half-time through injury by summer recruit Matthijs de Ligt.
Evans repays his manager’s faith
It was a big call by Erik ten Hag to draft Evans into his starting XI ahead of out-of-form teammate Lisandro Martínez.
However, the decision paid dividends as the former Northern Ireland international delivered a stellar showing without putting a foot wrong all day.
Most notably, it was the former Leicester and West Bromwich Albion centre-back who kept red-hot striker Ollie Watkins quiet as the 20-time English champions earned a hard-fought point from what was a difficult-looking fixture against Unai Emery’s troops.
Given the Red Devils’ recent struggles, which have seen boss Ten Hag come under significant scrutiny, a clean sheet against a side who defeated Bayern Munich just days before was a welcome tonic for Evans and Co.
Experience is vital during difficult times
The vast experience of the 6’2 Northern Irish centre-half could prove to be a key factor during a testing period between the resumption of the domestic campaign at home to Brentford this Saturday – and the next international break in mid-November.
A three-time Premier League winner with United in his first spell at the club – where he came through as a young academy prospect – the Antrim man exudes all of the calmness, maturity and composure you would expect from such a decorated individual.
These will be invaluable traits for the club as it strives for consistency and results in moving forward.
Evans, a throwback to a more successful era under the stewardship of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, will hope to play his part in restoring some pride in this current season.
Perhaps even laying the foundations for more successful times to come for the club he holds so dear.
How do you rate Jonny Evans this season? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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