Erik ten Hag thankful to Man Utd's unlikely hero after "best night of my life"

23 September 2023 , 21:45

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Erik ten Hag's United side claimed victory to end a difficult recent run (Image: Getty Images)

Jonny Evans was Manchester United’s unlikely hero at Burnley as victory finally eased the heat on Erik ten Hag.

Evans was only brought in as summer stop-gap to boost numbers on United’s summer tour. But ten Hag drafted the Irishman into his wobbling defence at Turf Moor - and he delivered a calming display as well as setting up matchwinner Bruno Fernandes for the only goal of a nervy game.

Winning ugly isn’t in United’s DNA, but ten Hag and the travelling fans didn’t care as the reds heeded the Dutchman’s orders to stick together and show some bottle after three straight defeats in the League and Europe. United might not be back on track, but at least the gloom as been partially lifted after the worst start to a season since 1986.

And Evans might have topped off a total dream night had VAR not ruled out a first half goal before Fernandes scored.

As another defensive injury hit ten Hag, the Dutchman turned to 35-year-old Evans to replace World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez. With his back to the wall, it hardly felt like a front foot step recalling a player United discarded in 2015. But these are desperate times and there’s no doubting Evans can boast experience if not youth.

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The veteran Northern Ireland star can also deliver a decent diagonal pass. And he claimed a superb 40-yard assist for the all important Fernandes goal that gave United a much-needed half time lead.

“It was a great pass from Jonny. I know he has great qualities playing the ball in behind with both feet and I was waiting for it” said Fernandes. “Burnley give space behind but it was tough to get that at times and we took the chance when it was there.

"We know that we have been in a tough bit of momentum but we knew we could come back from it. Obviously the performance was not the best, but we got the three points which is the most important thing.”

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal

But once again it was a painful watch with United still struggling to click in every area of the pitch. All eyes were on goalkeeper Andre Onana after his costly mistake at Bayern Munich. But virtually every one of ten Hag’s players were under scrutiny after their disastrous start to the campaign.

Onana’s first pass of the night was mis-placed - but he settled his nerves with a fine 10th minute save from an Amdouni header diverted for a corner. That came after Fernandes had forced James Trafford to beat out a dangerous cross shot..

But United were soon on the back-foot again with Burnley sensing their defensive vulnerability. More than once Kompany’s stars easily played their way through United and after 17 minutes should have scored. United’s defence was all at sea as Aaron Ramsey cleverly played in Zeki Amdouni who hit the post with a left foot effort.

It was major let-off - but Burnley had a slice of luck soon after as Evans had a headed goal from Reguilon’s corner ruled out. Referee Tony Harrington was directed to the pitchside monitor by var and quickly saw Hojlund was offside as the corner came in. It was United’s third goal to be ruled out by VAR in six League games - but there was no disputing the decision.

Erik ten Hag's side kept a clean sheet and claimed all three points

No doubt either about the pure strike from Fernandes that gave ten Hag some breathing space. Skipper Fernandes, who played in 59 of United’s 62 games last season, watched Evans’ pass all the way and expertly volleyed the ball across Trafford into the far corner.

Evans, a three-time Premier League winner under Sir Alex Ferguson, claimed the victory was the “best night of my life”.

“I loved every minute of it. Before the game you get a feeling, I couldn't wait, just pure excitement. Coming up here on the bus I was buzzing” said Evans. “That was my 200th game for United, I never thought I would ever reach that figure - the best night of my life.

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"When you get to a certain age you start to wind down your career. I got the call (from United) and didn't have another option, so I just took it and tried to do my best in training and take my chance.

"You then just hope your body sees you through. It was never a thought to come in and be a starter. I was told my role would be to provide competition and that is how I’ve approached it but I had the chance to start tonight.”

Steve Bates