Jonny Evans: Discarded by Van Gaal but back at Man United and thriving under Ten Hag

Jonny Evans made his 200th Manchester United appearance at the weekend with a man-of-the-match performance against Burnley. It was his first start for the club since 2015.

The Northern Ireland international rejoined United this summer on a one-year contract after being released by Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 35-year-old has been signed primarily to provide cover for United's first-choice centre-backs, but his performance at Turf Moor shows he still has plenty to offer.

Andy Mitten fills in the gaps of Evans' eight-year odyssey back to Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s players walk from the training pitch at the start of their United States pre-season tour, with the most attention on new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger. Less is paid to defender Jonny Evans who explains to this journalist that while he’s up for doing an interview, it’s a little tricky. The man two appearances short of 200 Manchester United games, who has supported the club all his life and came through the academy with flying colours on more than one level, no longer features in the plans of manager Louis van Gaal. It’s not a good time to talk.

Van Gaal’s DNA purge on England’s most successful club felt questionable at the time and the decision to let proven winners leave on free transfers didn’t age well. It’s curious because although Van Gaal had let popular players depart because he didn't think they had the technical level required to play for United, he considers Evans one who does.

Evans, who won nine major trophies at United, moves to West Bromwich Albion a month later, joining former United teammates Darren Fletcher and Ben Foster.

That last season at United had been tough for the defender. A pass back to