Jonny Evans labelled Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Burnley as the “best night of his life”.
United ended their three-game losing streak by edging past the Clarets at Turf Moor on Saturday evening, with Evans among the stars of the evening.
Eyebrows were raised when the 35-year-old re-joined United this summer, but the centre-back put in an assured performance at the back, while his inch-perfect pass set up club-captain Bruno Fernandes for the game’s only goal.
Evans returned to United’s starting line-up for the first time in eight years, having spent the peak of his career at West Brom and Leicester.
After the game, Evans told TNT Sports: “I loved every minute of it.
“Coming up here on the bus I was buzzing. That was my 200th game for Man United. I never thought I would ever reach that figure – it’s the best night of my life.
“When you get to a certain age you start to wind down your career. I got the call from United and didn’t have another option, so I just took it and tried to do my best in training and take my chance.
“I was told my role would be to provide competition and that is how I have approached it. With a few injuries, I then had the chance to start tonight.”
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, whose goal was a brilliantly taken first-time volley, was quick to praise Evans for his assist.
“It was a great pass from Jonny. I know he has great qualities playing the ball in behind with both feet,” said the match-winner.
“I was waiting for it [the pass]. Burnley give space behind but it was tough to get that at times and we took the chance when it was there.”
Evans thought he had scored himself moments earlier when he nodded home Sergio Reguilon’s corner after 25 minutes.
However, VAR ruled out Evans’ first United goal in the Premier League since 2012, with Rasmus Hojlund deemed to have impeded Burnley’s James Trafford from an offside position.
