Aside from Manchester United’s two goals in their 2-1 win over Brentford, the loudest cheer around Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon came for Jonny Evans.
The 36-year-old was starting a second consecutive game for the first time this season, having won man of the match in the goalless draw against Aston Villa prior to the international break.
It was he who started at left-centre-back ahead of Lisandro Martinez - who played left-back - and Victor Lindelof. The veteran was initially re-signed in the summer of 2023, having only returned to Carrington to build up fitness after being released by Leicester City.
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He was taken on the pre-season tour by Erik ten Hag that summer before signing a one-year renewal. He shocked many by being one of the club’s most consistent performers when used last season and well earned his 12-month renewal this summer.
And so far, it is hard to argue that any other United centre-back has played more seamlessly this term. United have conceded just once when Evans has been on the pitch this season, and that came against Brentford when the team were a defender down with Matthijs De Ligt being treated for a bleeding head off the pitch.
The Northern Irishman has played 380 minutes this season and has yet to taste defeat. United have looked much more secure with Evans at the back in the last two matches.
Match-goers have seen this first-hand and showed how much they think of him as he was replaced by Lindelof in the final embers of Saturday’s win over the Bees. The academy graduate - who is the only squad member to win a Premier League title - was given a rousing ovation from 70,000 home fans when the tannoy announced his exit.
In his 235th senior match for the club, the aged Evans is perhaps the most appreciated player in the current squad. What that says about the state of play at United, who started with 32-year-olds Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield, can be left to debate.
What cannot be denied is that Evans' return to United has been positively impactful. The love the United faithful have for the defender, who turns 37 in January, is equally palpable.
