With his performance for Manchester United against Burnley, Jonny Evans turned back the clock, and captain Bruno Fernandes undoubtedly took notice.

A much-needed 1-0 victory over the Clarets yesterday night at Turf Moor helped struggling United, who have had a mediocre start to the 2023–24 season, move up to ninth in the Premier League standings.

After the defense had an earlier headed finish called off for offside following a VAR review, Fernandes’s magnificent volley from an Evans long pass forward on the verge of halftime finally proved to be the difference.

Ten Hag’s team was able to maintain their lead during a tense conclusion in Lancashire as Vincent Kompany’s team made unsuccessful attempts to secure a share of the victory. Evans, who initially progressed through the junior team ranks at Old Trafford before leaving in 2015 to join West Bromwich Albion, returned to United over the summer.

After being released by Leicester City in the summer, the 35-year-old started working out once more with Erik ten Hag’s team before agreeing to a one-year contract.

Evans started for United for the first time since re-joining the team last night at Turf Moor, picking up an assist and helping to keep the scoreless as the Reds returned to winning ways.

Following the game, TNT Sports interviewed Fernandes and Evans on the field, with the Portuguese star receiving the Man of the Match award.

Jonny Evans and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United. (Source: Getty)

Fernandes, however, made a classy choice by giving Evans the prize without delay.

The United captain stated, “I will give this to Jonny,” after accepting the trophy.

“I’m going to give it back to you in a sec!” Evans replied with a smile.

Fernandes, however, retorted: “No, it’s yours. Thank you very much.

Evans thanked them and said, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

In his second tenure at United, Evans acknowledged that he was eager to return to the team where he first played after eight years away.

“I loved every minute of it,” he told ESPN. You get a sense before the game; I couldn’t wait; it was simply pure exhilaration.

“I was buzzing when I rode the bus up here. That was my 200th game for Manchester United; I never imagined I’d get to that point. It was the happiest night of my life. As you mature, you begin to wind down your professional life.

“I received the call [from United] and had no choice but to accept it, so I did my best in training and took the chance.

Then, all you can do is pray that your body will hold up. I was informed that it was never anticipated that I would enter the team and start.