Jonny Evans comes out in defence of under-fire Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag | OneFootball

Jonny Evans has come out in defence of manager Erik ten Hag, insisting that he 'admires' his boss's strength in the face of adversity at Manchester United.

Ten Hag has endured heavy criticism this season after overseeing the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign - accumulating just eight points from their first seven games. United's form hasn't been much better on the continental front either, failing to win either of their first two UEFA Europa League games thus far.

These results have, unsurprisingly, led to speculation that Ten Hag could be sacked by Man Utd in the near future, with the likes of Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate being tentatively linked with the role.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports however, defender Evans was keen to praise his manager, hailing his "strength and courage" despite the level of criticism he has faced.

"He's a very strong-minded man and you know, I admire him for that. You see that he's very principled in the way he wants to work and the way he is as a person, and he very rarely changes," said Evans.

"He shows a real sort of strength and who he believes that he is, and who he wants to be. And I admire him for that sort of strength and courage to continue. He's always very positive and his message is always the same and very consistent.

"It's important - I suppose 'cause that's the job of the coaches is to create that environment and culture within the club that we still keep pushing and improve the results and obviously the league position.

"Ruud [van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag's assistants] 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."

Evans was entrusted with a starting berth in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa prior to the October international break, putting in a team-best performance in that game. Thanks to that display, and the host of injuries Ten Hag is dealing with right now, the defender can be expected to start this weekend's crucial game against Brentford in the Premier League.