Following Jonny Evans’ impressive performance against Burnley, Manchester United fans are expressing unanimous sentiments.
Evans, who returned to the club during the summer, earned a spot in the starting lineup due to Lisandro Martinez’s injury, marking his first start for Manchester United since March 2015.
His outstanding display at the back played a crucial role in helping the team secure a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor on Saturday.
He also created the game’s only goal as he picked out Bruno Fernandes with a stunning long-range pass.
Man United fans on social media praised the 35-year-old’s outing as they made their feelings known.
One X user wrote: “I wasn’t familiar with his game… I saw in him the fighting spirit from the old Manchester United.”
A second tweeted: “Please forgive me Evans. I judged you wrongly.”
A third added: “Looked twice the player Martinez has been this season.”
A fourth said: “A few raised eyebrows when he signed, would start him every time over Maguire.”
Another commented: “Brought the old mentality to the team… a leader.”
Speaking after the result, Fernandes and Evans spoke to TNT Sports, where the Man United captain was named the Player of the Match.
But he handed the award to the veteran defender in a classy gesture.
“The club has quality defenders,” said Evans. “I’ve just been observing and seeing how they play, it’s a bit different to what I’m used to. I felt I slotted in well tonight.
“You want to be successful and win games but you’ve got to earn clean sheets and I was pleased tonight.
“I wasn’t able to finish the match but it was just as good seeing Andre [Onana] catch that one at the end and the relief at the final whistle.”
The Northern Irishman’s showing against Burnley was his 200th appearance for Man United.
He could keep his place in the side when the Red Devils return to action next Tuesday when they host Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.