Former England full-back Stephen Warnock says Manchester United defender Jonny Evans used “every ounce of his experience” when marking striker Ollie Watkins in the goalless draw with Aston Villa.
“Before the game, it was a surprise that he was coming in,” Warnock said on Match of the Day 2. “He has used every ounce of his experience here. He will have watched Ollie Watkins play in midweek against Bayern Munich and realised that he wants to feel players and get tight to them.
“So Evans just dropped off and he didn’t let Watkins feel him. Evans never ever let Watkins get beyond him or alongside him.
“His challenges were always well timed. He was always on the front foot and ready to step into a position. He is then ready for the next passage of play. He wants to force the ball to go wide because he knows that can be defended well.
“His position was high in possession but as soon as the possession got turned over, he had a quick look over his shoulder and he knew exactly where Watkins was, so he could just drop back again.
“He wanted to get beyond his man to make sure that he was in a situation where Watkins couldn’t run or dart in behind him.
“An outstanding performance from someone who isn’t getting much game time at the moment.”
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