Jonny Evans has said an improved Manchester United performance at Aston Villa was important with Erik ten Hag ’emotional’ amid recent results.
United battled to a goalless draw at Aston Villa in a game lacking attacking quality at both ends of the pitch. Evans returned to the side for the clash at Villa Park and the veteran was an impressive performer in a much improved defensive performance from Ten Hag’s team.
The Red Devils had conceded three goals in successive games heading into the fixture, losing 3-0 to Tottenham before blowing a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with FC Porto on Thursday.
The point leaves United 14th in the Premier League table with just eight points from seven games, though Evans believes the draw is a point gained against an Aston Villa team who beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.
“We got a point against a good side away from home. The other night conceding three we wanted to be more defensive-minded to give ourselves a chance,” Evans said to Sky Sports.
“We were looking for that one moment of quality, maybe on the counter and we nearly got it at the end.
“Fair play to Villa. They’re good players and you never feel comfortable. You’ve always got to be on your toes and ready.
“I still feel like I’m playing the game I always have, I still feel like I have speed in the legs to get me out of the bad moments.
“[Erik ten Hag] told me after the game the other night I’d play in this one. Even the match against Porto I wasn’t expecting to come on. It’s unlikely to have a double centre-back substitution. Every match I play now I just enjoy it.
“It’s still a privilege to play for this club. The pressures that come with it, it’s part of it. You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. They have supported the players massively over the years.
Ten Hag ’emotional’ after Porto performance
“It was great for him [Erik ten Hag] to see that. The other night he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away. You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.”
