Jonny Evans gives his instant reaction to first United start since his return to the club
Jonny Evans completed his almost dream-like return to Old Trafford this summer and started his first competitive game for the Red Devils since his return, in the 1-0 win over Burnley.
The Northern Irish defender was handed a start amid the growing injury crisis at Old Trafford with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire unavailable and Raphael Varane only fit enough for the bench.
The United academy graduate was recruited originally on a trial period but, after impressing Erik Ten Hag in pre-season, the defender was handed a one-year deal at the Red Devils.
Evans completed 60 of his 66 attempted passes for Ten Hag’s side and he didn’t look out of place for the Red Devils. He also should have seen his bullet header from a corner allowed.
Evans’ reaction to first start
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Evans was seemingly elated with his first start for the club since his departure from his boyhood club in 2015.
“I loved every minute of it, before the game I was getting this feeling of pure excitement, I was buzzing,” Evans said. “I think today was my 200th game for United and it was one of the best days of my life.”
The Northern Irishman looked elated with his performance and the defender may well be featuring more and more this season if he continues to put in performances like that.
Evans on rejoining the club
There were certainly a few questions when it emerged Evans would be awarded a one-year contract following his pre-season at United but those questions may well have been unfounded.
Evans spoke about his decision to rejoin the Red Devils and said: “When I got the call, I was a bit apprehensive. I thought that there was no other option for me. I wanted to come back and see where it took me by being as professional as possible.”
Evans may well be in line to start United’s next game against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and, based on the defender’s performance at Turf Moor, it seems entirely deserved.
