Evans offers reassurance to Man United fans about Ten Hag after shaky start to season

Manchester United star Jonny Evans has insisted that Erik ten Hag has a ‘good thing going on’ at the club despite a shaky start the season.

Evans starred at the back for United in their victory against Burnley on Saturday night after Lisandro Martinez failed a late fitness test.

It was his first start for the Red Devils in 3,125 days having made a shock return in the summer eight years after leaving, signing a one-year deal at Old Trafford.

United beat Burnley 1-0 to alleviate some of the pressure on Ten Hag after three defeats in a row, but Evans has insisted that there are good times on the horizon if they keep patience with the Dutch coach.

“I’ve had some up and down moments at United over the years,” the 35-year-old said.

“I think you get that if you want to be at the top. You know, it’s going to be very up and down.

“You’ve got to be able to deal with setbacks and this club is a fantastic club, always want to be challenging at the top, so it’s all part and parcel of it.

“The manager’s got a good thing going here.

“I’m a fan of the club so I was able to watch them a lot last year, been at both finals to support. Like I say, I think the manager’s got a good thing going.”

Evans knows about success at Old Trafford having won three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

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United have struggled to mount a serious challenge for such prizes since the Scotsman retired in 2013.

But after winning the Carabao Cup last season, there was hope that Ten Hag could be the man to take the club back to the top.

This season, though, has had some big lows already – with defeats to Tottenham, Arsenal and Brighton already coming.

The win over Burnley has returned some confidence, however, taking them to ninth in the Premier League.

But they still sit nine points behind league-leading Manchester City and a top-four finish might be their best bet this season.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has bemoaned the lack of defensive solidity from last year.

The former Ajax boss said after the win over Burnley on Saturday: “Last year we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League. We were disciplined and followed the rules. When we do that, it’s difficult to play against Manchester United.

“He [Evans] gave the team calmness. His skills were brilliant, as with the goal.”

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