Harry Maguire might have just become sixth-choice centre-back at Manchester United

A first start for Manchester United in eight years on Saturday night and Jonny Evans looked every bit the experienced centre-back he is during Saturday's 1-0 win at Burnley.

Erik ten Hag's side calmed the storm of three consecutive defeats with a hard-fought victory at Turf Moor, a no-frills away-day performance settled by Bruno Fernandes. The United captain latched onto a raking long ball before arrowing his volley into the far corner, evoking memories of Robin van Persie vs Aston Villa.

Wayne Rooney was the creator-in-chief that day in 2013 with Evans watching on from centre-back, but on Saturday he took the impetus. Stepping into Burnley's half, the 35-year-old capped off his first start for United in eight years with the crucial assist.

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Evans only signed for United as an emergency option in the summer and that is exactly what he was on Saturday night. Ten Hag's decision to start the Northern Ireland international came with Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw injured, Raphael Varane fit enough only for the bench and Harry Maguire failing a late assessment.

Should any of the former trio return, then that would no doubt see Evans dropped. But after Saturday's consummate performance, it is hard to see Ten Hag preferring Maguire any time soon.

Such has been the 30-year-old's luck over the last 12 months that when seemingly any other option in central defence is unavailable, he picks up an issue in training. United could name a full line-up of injured players last week and Maguire was even on the bench for that.

After training during the week, he was not deemed ready for Saturday's clash and his absence