Ten Hag explains why he brought Evans in
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he made the decision to bring Jonny Evans into the first team after watching him in Academy training over the summer.
Evans made his 200th United appearance for the Reds in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Burnley, having a first-half header disallowed before providing the assist with a raking pass for Bruno Fernandes's match-winning volley.
Following the triumph at Turf Moor, Erik spoke to the media in his press conference, and was asked about the 35-year-old's return to the club.
Ten Hag's post-match press conference
Erik ten Hag speaks about Bruno's goal and his pleasure at how United pressed Burnley...
"In the summer, I heard he was in, he was to train with the Under-21s," began the boss. "I said, ‘Fletch, come bring him in with the first team, maybe he can help us.'"
United technical director, Darren Fletcher, played with Evans both at United and at West Bromwich Albion.
"We decided to sign him because I think he can be really contributing in the squad," added Ten Hag. "And today you have seen how massively important he can be."
Evans's start against Burnley was his 200th in a United shirt and it was his first in the Premier League for the Reds in 3,125 days.
Jonny impressed in both attack and defence, slotting in alongside Victor Lindelof as Ten Hag's side earned a clean sheet.