Jonny Evans opens up on what Ruud van Nistelrooy told Manchester United players after dismal start to Premier League season
Jonny Evans has revealed the advice Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Manchester United players this season. The United star stated that the legendary striker wanted the players to go enjoy the game and block the outside noise while they are on the pitch.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Evans claimed that every footballer wants to do his best every time they are on the pitch. However, the expectations to win every match affects them and they come under pressure easily. He said:
"Ruud [van Nistelrooy] spoke the other day about the fact that it's a game and getting back there to when you're a kid playing football and going out and competing. I think that's where everyone wants to get to that sort of new place where you're not affected by outside noise, and you can just go out and perform to your best every week.
"And that's what I suppose every footballer, every single weekend strives for, I think playing with enjoyment and a smile on your face. Obviously we've got expectations to win football matches and it's always more enjoyable whenever you win."
Manchester United have now made the worst of starts this season and are 14th in the Premier League table. They have won just twice in seven league matches and drawn both their Europa League games.
Jonny Evans believes Manchester United defense has improved despite poor start
Jonny Evans has claimed that Manchester United's defensive side has improved but the attackers have not backed them up. He believes that the forwards are getting into good positions but are not patient enough to score the goals.
He told Sky Sports:
"The defensive side of it has improved and it's been good. So I think it's something that the manager has addressed and after coming back in after the international break, something that we want to look at, and it's not always just up to the forward players. I think we're getting into good positions.
"Our final ball needs to be better and once you get one or two goals and you start gaining that confidence in games, you can be a bit more patient around the opposition box and picking the right path and taking care."
Manchester United face Brentford this weekend in the Premier League on October 19. Erik ten Hag still remains the club manager amid rumors that the Dutchman is under pressure at Old Trafford.