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Dimitar Berbatov has criticised Manchester United players following Jonny Evans’ man-of-the-match performance against Aston Villa.
United’s winless run extended to five games as they played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. Erik ten Hag’s men, who embarrassingly sit 14th on the Premier League table in October, were yet again toothless going forward.
After seven league games, only Southampton (4) have managed to score fewer goals than United (5).
Their backline has been no better this season, but at Villa, they did well to keep in-form forwards Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran quiet. In particular, Jonny Evans was impressive for United and helped Andre Onana keep a cleansheet.
Ten Hag handed the 36-year-old a surprise start, leaving Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt on the bench for the crucial clash.
The veteran centre-back was resilient all afternoon and helped his side both in and out of possession, and deservedly took home the man of the match award.
However, Berbatov was far from impressed with Evans winning the award, owing to his age.
“I’m trying to find the right words here,” the former United striker told Sky Sports. “Everybody on the pitch today should be ashamed because Jonny Evans, credit to him, he’s 36 or 37 and he’s man-of-the-match.
“Everybody on the pitch today should be ashamed” 🫣
Dimitar Berbatov praises Jonny Evans and says younger players should take notice 👀 pic.twitter.com/oXrGAM19Xr
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
“Everybody younger than him should take notice and next time, be better.”
In what was billed as a must-win game for him, Ten Hag opted to partner Evans with Harry Maguire instead of his expensive signings, further intensifying question marks on not just his tactical decisions but his squad building as well.
After his commanding display, Evans revealed that the speculation surrounding the United gaffer’s future has had an impact on the players.
“It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too,” the ex-Leicester City man, who returned to Old Trafford on a free transfer last summer, admitted. “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.”
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