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Manchester United is about to face Newcastle United tonight in what might be their remaining match at Outdated Trafford this season. This match might function a farewell to the Outdated Trafford crowd for a handful of gamers whose futures on the membership are doubtful.
As talked about by the Manchester Night Information, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Tom Heaton, and Jonny Evans might all doubtlessly play their remaining residence match in a Man United jersey relying on the place their futures take them.
Whereas Varane’s departure has been formally introduced, Casemiro’s time at United additionally seems to be operating out as his performances proceed to dip.
Heaton, whose contract is up on the finish of the month, has performed a minimal position for United, whereas Martial has been largely absent by damage since his arrival from Monaco in 2015.
One participant who might show to nonetheless be value holding round, nonetheless, is veteran centre-back Jonny Evans.
Regardless of already being 36 years of age, Evans has confirmed to be a useful member of United’s lineup this season. The truth that he returned to United as a free switch initially of the season makes him all of the extra worthwhile.
In 21 Premier League matches which incorporates 14 begins, Evans has been a rock on the again for United, making one sort out per recreation, 3.3 clearances per recreation, and three.1 ball recoveries per match.
He has confirmed to be a powerful bodily presence, making the most of his peak to win 65% of his aerial duels whereas successful 55% of his floor duels. Critically, he has not made any errors that led to a aim.
Evans has confirmed significantly good on the ball for a defender, with a powerful 67% profitable dribbles and finishing 88% of his passes, which incorporates 91% accuracy from inside his personal half. (Stats through Sofascore)
He thus outshines United’s different backup defensive choices throughout quite a few metrics. Evans has outperformed Lindelof in tackles per recreation (0.8) and clearances (2) whereas proving more practical than Harry Maguire at profitable dribbles (0).
Most notably, he outperformed each backup choices in addition to first-choice defender Lisandro Martinez in floor duels – Martinez gained 47%, Lindelof gained 41%, and Maguire gained 50%.
The United veteran’s influence is even larger when evaluating his Premier League and UEFA Champions League performances to different gamers within the high 5 European leagues.
Evans ranks inside the high 98th percentile in blocks, making 2.06 per recreation, together with the 89th percentile in clearances with 5.14 per match. (FBRef)
Whereas contemporary, younger expertise on the again is required for Erik ten Hag’s group, there’s no denying the worth that Evans has delivered to the lineup this season. In spite of everything, he has been an vital backup when the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof have been unavailable by damage.
As United have realized the onerous method this season, overusing gamers week in and week out will increase their threat of accidents whereas additionally negatively affecting their type. On the subject of these much less essential video games the place some beginning 11 gamers are in wanted of a break, a dependable, hard-working backup akin to Evans will do nicely to fortify United’s defence.
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