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There is something about enjoying the art of defending when you get into the ‘zone’ and are firmly focused on the task in hand.
When your backs are against the wall and the crosses are being loaded into the box, it is a time for strong heads, in more ways than one.
As has been so often the case this season, Manchester United’s defensive ranks were depleted at Luton Town on Sunday. Already without Lisandro Martinez, we lost Luke Shaw in the first half. Harry Maguire was then withdrawn at the interval, on a yellow card and nursing a knock from a heavy challenge from the already booked Cauley Woodrow.
It meant more reorganisation for manager Erik ten Hag to deal with, as Victor Lindelof became a makeshift left-back again, and it was time for Jonny Evans to feature, as he has done in each of our five wins on the road in 2024, in all competitions.
90 in 20: Luton v United Video
90 in 20: Luton v United
Watch the extended highlights of a hugely entertaining and at times stressful match at Kenilworth Road…
At 36, Evans knows how to deal with these situations, as the Reds aimed to protect a narrow 2-1 lead. As chances were passed up to extend our advantage at the other end, he got to grips with the Town forwards, dealing expertly with the frenzied atmosphere and hostile environment from the outset.
The Northern Ireland international showed the desired mix of aggression and composure and made sure most of what was thrown into the area was nodded away from Andre Onana’s goal. Alfie Doughty rained in 16 crosses in total before being substituted while, from the opposing flank, Chiedozie Ogbene contributed nine. Even late substitute Luke Berry posted four.
Yet United stood firm – with Raphael Varane and Evans in commanding form, helping to see the Reds over the line to continue our good run of form and maintain the push for a spot in next season’s revamped UEFA Champions League.
Varane, like Evans, is vastly experienced, of course, and very much up for the fight. After having a few words with Aston Villa goalscorer and mocking celebrator Douglas Luiz last week, in the aftermath of Scott McTominay’s winner, he responded to taunts from the Luton fans at the end on Sunday by blowing them a kiss.
When pressure is being applied, as it was in the closing stages at Kenilworth Road, the two pillars at the back remained on their mettle and they are a pairing that ooze authority, in addition to showing a connection on the pitch, and will very rarely let you down.
Evans ended up making 10 clearances, which is pretty incredible considering he only came on at half-time, with Varane registering five in total. For context, Jonny’s figure is our third-highest in the Premier League this term, with Rapha’s 15 at Liverpool looking likely to be hard to beat as the campaign wears on.
MOST CLEARANCES IN 2023/24 LEAGUE GAME
1. Raphael Varane v Liverpool (A) – 15
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka v Arsenal (A) – 11
3. Jonny Evans v Luton (A) – 10
4. Harry Maguire v Fulham (A) – 9
5. Diogo Dalot v Arsenal (A) – 8
5. Jonny Evans v Burnley (A) – 8
5. Victor Lindelof v Everton (A) – 8
5. Harry Maguire v Everton (A) – 8
5. Harry Maguire v Man City (H) – 8
Varane and Evans both figure highly in the top clearance-makers for the Reds in the Premier League this season, although Diogo Dalot, who has made more starts (22) than the two centre-backs combined (21) in the division in 2023/24, comes out on top.
The defensive unit has enjoyed these tests of character and, obviously, there are plenty more to come. However, it is reassuring that the experience at the back can help us to successfully navigate such challenges, with Fulham next to come, on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Despite the changes in personnel, United are managing to get the job done and long may it continue.
Raphael Varane can be pleased with his afternoon’s work at Kenilworth Road.
MOST CLEARANCES IN 2023/24 PREMIER LEAGUE
1: Diogo Dalot – 75
2: Raphael Varane – 68
3. Jonny Evans – 56
4. Harry Maguire – 47
5. Luke Shaw – 39
All stats courtesy of FBREF.com.
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