Evans ever the consummate professional

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Monday 07 October 2024 16:08

Jonny Evans revealed after the draw at Aston Villa that manager Erik ten Hag had informed him of his inclusion in the line-up after Thursday’s six-goal thriller at FC Porto.

In truth, anyone who witnessed the Northern Irishman at Boavista’s Estadio do Bessa on Friday, would have been left without any doubt that he was readying himself for the task of stifling the cock-a-hoop Midlanders.

It appeared obvious that the centre-back was working meticulously on his preparation. I lost count of the number of times he dropped to do press-ups. You sometimes only see this with some football training sessions as some kind of forfeit or punishment but this was purely self motivated, probably a way of forcing extra exertion.

For me, his whole demeanour gave the game away that this was a man about to embark on a mission.

I don’t even need to mention the left-footed volley that he hammered unceremoniously into the net during the small-sided game!

Why Evans was Man of the Match Video

Why Evans was Man of the MatchPlayer highlights | Jonny Evans was a rock at the back for United against Aston Villa…

A first Premier League start of the season was on the cards after his substitute appearance in the Europa League on Thursday, and he was never going to let anyone down.

Ollie Watkins may be one of the division’s top strikers, and Jhon Duran one of its most promising forwards, but the home side, buoyant after beating Bayern Munich in midweek, were shut out by Jonny and co.

Even the loss of Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui at half-time did not upset the backline and our no.35’s experience and knowhow in helping marshal the troops did not go unnoticed.

It is something we have come to expect from Evans. His age (36) may be brought up every time he plays but it really isn’t relevant. He has kept himself in shape, as a consummate professional, and is following in the footsteps of several former team-mates with his longevity.

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs were two of these who graced the shirt until the ages of 38 and 40 respectively, and they were carefully managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot would often prime his veterans for certain fixtures, telling them in advance to focus on that upcoming task, while, simultaneously, softening the blow that they would be sitting out the match or two beforehand.

It seemed to work a trick and the fact Erik tipped Jonny off about his inclusion in advance does seem like particularly sound planning.

If Evans keeps his place for the home game against Brentford, he will move above Michael Carrick when it comes to our list of oldest players but there are other outfielders ahead of him before you even get to Scholes and Giggs.

One of them is a fellow centre-back in Laurent Blanc, who was nudging 37 and a half when appearing in the final game of the 2002/03 title-winning campaign at Everton.

It may have been a difficult decision but it was certainly a sensible one when Jonny decided to call time on his wonderful international career with Northern Ireland recently. It means he can recharge the batteries again in the next fortnight, rather than be heading to Belarus for the weekend.

The defender has made no qualms about admitting he treats every opportunity to pull on the United shirt as his last.

And that is how he plays, with a sense of determination and conviction that further endears himself to the supporters who have always held him close to their hearts, as one of our many successful Academy graduates.

It is clear he is somebody the manager can rely upon and that is going to be important when the arduous fixture schedule kicks in again. Whether Jonny keeps his place or not, you can be sure he will be ready and primed for his next opportunity to represent the club he loves.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.

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Monday 07 October 2024 16:08