Jonny Evans backs Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager slammed over Cristiano Ronaldo treatment

Jonny Evans has backed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag amid negative reports about the Dutchman.

In recent weeks, the Dutchman has been criticised over his handling of individual players, most notably Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Recently, Ten Hag was criticised by Arturo Vidal, who said: “That coach came in badly. How are you going to take out Cristiano Ronaldo? That's how these guys are. He was the top scorer and he takes him out.

“These bald guys are very complicated.”

However, one of Ten Hag’s summer signings, Evans, has backed the United boss.

“You've got to be able to deal with setbacks and this club is a fantastic club, always want to be challenging at the top, so it's all part and parcel of it.”

Evans added: “The manager's got a good thing going here.

“I'm a fan of the club so I was able to watch them a lot last year, been at both finals to support. Like I say, I think the manager's got a good thing going.”

Talking about his first start since his return, Evans said: “I was really looking forward to it all day. I got the shout yesterday in training that I was going to be starting, so I couldn't wait for the game, really.

“I was more nervous in the pre-season, my first pre-season game, to be honest, playing up in Edinburgh. I didn't feel any nerves tonight. I actually felt a lot of excitement going into the game. I couldn't wait for it and I felt good, I felt ready.”