Manchester United have picked up back-to-back victories for the first time this season as they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
One player who was crucial during the win over Burnley which has, hopefully, kicked off the return to form of the United squad after a rather poor start to the season was Jonny Evans.
The Northern Irish defender should have had his first goal for the Red Devils since his return to the club but the goal at Turf Moor was ruled out due to Rasmus Hojlund being offside.
Evans did provide the game-winning contribution when his long ball to Bruno Fernandes won Erik ten Hag’s side the game against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Pep Guardiola’s interest
Interestingly, according to Andy Mitten’s latest report for The National News, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once wanted to sign the former Leicester City defender.
The report states that the biggest admirer Evans had during his time in the Midlands was the Spanish manager back in 2018, Arsene Wenger tried to sign the defender, too, but it was Guardiola who was a big fan of the now 35-year-old defender.
City, instead signed Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao during the winter Transfer window for £57 million so Evans remained at the King Power Stadium.
The United academy graduate signed for his boyhood club on a one-year deal this summer after impressing during pre-season.
Evans’ United decision
Evans originally trained with United to regain his fitness according to Mitten’s piece. The defender, during his one-month contract at the club, was earning a similar amount to that of a steward at Old Trafford.
The defender’s return to his boyhood club was mocked on social media when it was announced but, so far, the defender has performed well for the Red Devils and was gifted the man-of-the-match award from Bruno Fernandes following the victory in Lancashire.
He may well not feature much this season, due to the options beginning to return at centre-back, but the 35-year-old defender has certainly done well in the limited opportunities he has been given at the club.
His performance against Burnley was a testament to his professionalism and commitment that led to Ten Hag signing the defender in the first place.
The post Report: Manchester United defender was once admired by Pep Guardiola, before he moved for £57m man instead appeared first on United In Focus.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/gODvNWH