Manchester United salvaged a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley away at Turf Moor Stadium, thanks to Bruno Fernandes volley on the stroke of half-time.
The visitors came into the match with little confidence following successive defeats against Brighton and Bayern Munich in the Premier League and Champions League, respectively.
The home side had the better off Ten Hag’s men with plenty of ball possession compared to the opponents.
Jonny Evans headed past Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford from a corner kick. Following a check from VAR, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Evans took the center stage by playing a long ball which found Fernandes. The Portuguese international rattled the net with a volley to give United the lead, in what became the only goal of the match.
According to the Independent, Evans stated: “I loved every minute of it. before the game, I just couldn’t wait, and coming up today on the bus I was just buzzing.”
“It was an absolute honour and one of the best nights of my life.”
The 35-year-old added: “I never thought – you know what it’s like when you get to a certain age, you’re winding down your career – but there was no other option for me. So I came back in and thankfully my body has seen me through.”
“I think for me in the time I’ve been here is just observing and see how they play as it’s different than my previous club so just take my time.”
On starting in the future: “The role that was made out to me was coming in as cover, so I had to fill the gap so for me it was just about trying to be ready.”
Jonny Evans also spoke to the broadcaster, saying: “It was massive, I think we’ve had a tough couple of games. This is a tough place to come.”
“Obviously when you hit this age you think about winding down a bit but it was a great moment for me personally and it couldn’t have gone any better.”
Bruno Fernandes was not shy to praise Jonny’s assist during post-match interview. According to TNT Sports, the Portuguese said:
“It was a great pass (from Evans), I know he has a great quality playing the ball in behind. I was waiting for him, it was tough to get behind them, but it was a great ball and a great finish and good to get the win.”
Bruno added: “We knew that we could come from this, I think we’ve been a little bit unlucky but the performance wasn’t the best.”
“Today we showed great spirit, I think with Burnley the points they have doesn’t show the quality they have.”
“We are really happy with the points.”
United boss, Erik ten Hag spoke to media outlets after the match. The Dutchman stated: “I think team spirit was the big thing.”
“It’s about winning and the last week was a lot against us but you have to turn that and it’s just up to us, the team acknowledge this and we have seen the answer on the pitch.”
Ten Hag continued: “It was a brilliant goal, and very good on the pitch.”
“We have seen so many things in the last couple of weeks against us, and we have so many injuries but we have to deal with it.”
The Red Devils will go head-to-head with Crystal Palace for the EFL encounter, on Tuesday night at Old Trafford. United will face the Eagles again on Saturday in the Premier League clash.
Ten Hag will be hoping to build up with another victory following a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign.
