Man Utd boss Ten Hag hails 'massively important' Evans

Erik ten Hag praised "massively important" Jonny Evans after the defender was drafted into the starting line-up and helped Manchester United to a 1-0 victory against Burnley.

The 35-year-old made his first start for the club since 2015 and, as well as helping secure a much-needed clean sheet, set up Bruno Fernandes for the only goal after having an earlier header ruled out.

Evans re-signed for the club earlier this month following his release by Leicester and boss Ten Hag said: "We have problems and in this moment a lot is against us — injuries, decisions and we have all seen the examples.

"We are very happy to have a player like Jonny Evans in the squad. He comes in and he is calm, composed, he has character and a good skill-set.

"Even when you have things against you, you can bounce back and then you have the character in the team to do that.

"In the summer, I heard he was in to train with the Under-23s, I said 'Fletch [technical director Darren Fletcher], come bring him in with the first team. Maybe he can help us'.

"I already saw in pre-season with the schedule, the problems with the numbers in the squad. We decided to sign him because I think he can really contribute to the squad and today you have seen how massively important he can be."

Fernandes' first-time volley from Evans' ball over the top was a moment of real quality in a game where Ten Hag knew United could not afford another slip-up after three losses in a row.

"This was a must-win and we knew that," said the Dutchman, who had no complaints about the disallowed goal with Rasmus Hojlund deemed to be offside and interfering in front of goalkeeper James Trafford.

"The team responded on the pitch. You could see the togetherness in the dressing room. It was a squad performance."