Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has admitted speculation surrounding the future or manager Erik ten Hag “does affect the players”.
Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa was needed for under-pressure Ten Hag after last weekend’s 3-0 home humiliation to Tottenham but meant the Red Devils go into the November international break without a win in five matches.
“As a player you know what you’ve got to do,” Evans said post-match. “We’ve all been playing football for a long time.
“For us it’s about not giving in, sticking together. My experience is that you always show that on the pitch and it was pleasing we did that today.”
United player’s togetherness was visible at Villa Park, with the tone set by a pre-match huddle.
“I don’t know who organised that,” Evans added. “It wasn’t planned so I’m guessing it was Bruno [Fernandes].
“I’m sure for Bruno, if he organised it, it was a way to get a message across before we went on the pitch.
“I’ve been involved in huddles in the past and it’s a way to come together before you go out and play.”
Despite an excellent defensive display, only Southampton have scored less than United’s four league goals so far this season. However, Evans believes this clean sheet gives a foundation to build upon.
“We put a lot into our defending [against Villa],” Evans added
“We saw our two forwards working back and helping the team, in order to get that clean sheet you’re going to maybe sacrifice a bit. For us it’s finding that balance.
“The confidence we get from that clean sheet hopefully in turn that can give us the belief when we’re going forward.
“Sometimes you have to do that, grind it out, go back to basics and we did that today.”