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Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has admitted that the ongoing speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future is affecting the players.
A string of poor performances and results have led to renewed scrutiny over Ten Hag’s managerial position.
Heading into Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa, there were suggestions that the Dutchman could be sacked if the game went badly.
The match ended in a drab 0-0 draw, with an uninspiring United failing to fashion enough clear-cut goalscoring opportunities to take all three points home.
Evans was a standout performer for his side. The veteran defender won 100% of the aerial duels he delved into, won six of the seven ground duels he contested and made three clearances.
After the final whistle, he spoke to BBC Match of the Day (via The Standard) and admitted that the rumours do have an impact on himself and his teammates.
He said, “It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too. I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything I can to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”
He added, “That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team. Everyone competed as much as they could. That’s a pleasing thing to see.”
“You never have everyone available throughout the season. It’s important everyone coming in is ready to go when they’re ready.”
Evans also spoke to Sky Sports. He told Sky, “They [Villa] have good players, so you’re never comfortable. Ollie Watkins and playing on the shoulder, he’s aggressive and a very good player so you have to be on your toes.”
“We had to make it tight today and not try to give them too much space and I think we did that well. 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. We were looking for that one moment of quality, maybe on the counter and we nearly got it.”
“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. [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. It was great for him [Erik ten Hag] to see that.”
“It’s a privilege to play for this club” 🙌
Jonny Evans says the pressure that comes with playing for Manchester United is a privilege 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8yN4loqXXc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
Evans revealed that Ten Hag got “a bit emotional” after United let the game vs. Porto slip away.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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