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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jamie Dickenson

Jonny Evans reveals what Manchester United players think about Erik ten Hag sack rumours

Jonny Evans has revealed that the talk surrounding Erik ten Hag does have an impact on Manchester United’s players.

Ten Hag bought himself some time with a goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Dutchman has been under heavy scrutiny recently with United now without a win in five games, and Red Devils defender Evans has admitted the rumours do make their way through to the squad.

“It does affect the players,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“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.”

Erik ten Hag talks to his Manchester United players during the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa (Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes came the closest to breaking the deadlock at Villa Park as Ten Hag’s side kept a welcome clean sheet after conceding three goals in each of their past two matches.

"That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team,” Evans added. “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."

Ten Hag was also pleased with the battling display, in the final match before the international break.

He said: "I think the performance of United was very good. Defending and in possession we controlled the game. It was in the balance. We created chances but not loads. Also Villa didn't create too many chances. It was balanced. We hit the crossbar, they had a shot blocked.

"We had that resilience, the whole season. We conceded three against Tottenham because we were down to 10 and we still went for the win. But for the rest this is our fourth clean sheet. This tells you we are in a good direction. Now also we improve defending counter attacks, and we improve controlling possession. But also we have to improve in the final third.

"First of all Rasmus [Hojlund] is returning. When he is up to full speed he will help us. But also other players have to take responsibility. I am very pleased with the performance of Rashford, twice he came close to goals. Garnacho has been good all season. But also other players can score, we have to step up in that area."

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