92% duels & 100% tackles won: 49yo manager blown away by 'masterclass' performance from United star vs Aston Villa

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has heaped praise on Jonny Evans following Manchester United’s goalless Premier League draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Red Devils went winless for the fifth game on the bounce after a 0-0 stalemate at Villa Park. They were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring as he hit the cross bar from a freekick.

Evans was adjudged as the man of the performance after a top defensive display and speaking on BBC Match of the Day 2, Potter said that any young defender needs to learn from the 36-year-old, who produced a ‘masterclass’.

The 49-year-old said: “It is less important to be fast, it is more important to be on time. Any young defender watching there, it is almost a masterclass in how to use your strengths and combat what the opponent can do to you.”

Evans was fantastic in central defence against the Villans. He started off with Harry Maguire as his partner and there was an untimely change at the interval. Matthijs de Ligt replaced Maguire, who picked up an injury just before half-time.

Despite this, he looked assured with his role on the pitch. The Northern Irishman won 11 out of 12 ground and aerial duels – a success rate of 92 percent. He also completed each of his four tackles (100%) while making three clearances.

His display has probably gone out of the radar due to United’s draw. Had the club returned to winning ways, we could have seen more appreciation from the faithful and media towards him.

Evans is unlikely to be a regular starter for the Red Devils at his age and fitness levels, but he has provided a solid example that timing is more essential to defending in and around the box.

Stats from Fotmob.com