EPL: Bruno Fernandes gives his Man of the Match award to Jonny Evans
Portuguese footballer and Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes gave his Player of the Match award to Jonny Evans after the 1-0 win away over Burnley on Saturday, September 23.
Fernandes was given the award after volleying in a sublime winner against the Clarets at Turf Moor to give Manchester United a much-needed win. However, Evans more than played his part after being handed a surprise start in his first one in the league for United in eight years, amid a defensive injury crisis.
Minutes before Fernandes scored the only goal of the game, Evans actually had the ball in the net himself. The Northern Ireland international rose highest to nod home from a corner. The goal was however disallowed after a VAR review revealed that his teammate, Rasmus Hojlund was in an offside position and interfering with play by blocking the goalkeeper.
Evans didn’t allow the incident weigh him down during the match as he also provided the assist for the goal that Fernandes scored.
Bruno Fernandes was subsequently voted the best player in the game and handed the Man of the Match Award, but he felt Jonny Evans deserved it even more and handed the award over to him.
Speaking after the match, Evans told TNT Sport;
“I loved every minute of it. Before the game you get a feeling, I couldn’t wait, just pure excitement. Coming up here on the bus I was buzzing. That was my 200th game for Man Utd, I never thought I would ever reach that figure – the best night of my life.
“I wasn’t consciously thinking I would sign [after getting the first call]. When you get to a certain age you start to wind down your career. I got the call and didn’t have another option, so I just took it and tried to do my best in training and take my chance. You then just hope your body sees you through.
“It was never a thought that I would come in and be a starter, I was told that my role would be to provide competition and that is how I have approached it. With a few injuries I then had the chance to start tonight.”
Manager, Erik Erik ten Hag was full of praise for the 35-year-old, saying “He showed personality. He was calm, composed, did everything right. Very good performance.”
