Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has seen a mix of signings, with a few standing out as notable acquisitions. While some, like Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, have proven to be wise choices, the spotlight in the 23/24 season falls on a particular standout signing.

Jonny Evans, a veteran presence in the Manchester United squad, has emerged as a crucial player, notably showcased in his game-saving performance against Aston Villa. What sets Evans apart is his remarkable ability to retain possession consistently, evident in his recent game stats.

Over the last five matches he started, Evans lost possession sparingly:

Aston Villa: 4 times possession lost
West Ham: 12 times possession lost
Liverpool: 5 times possession lost
Fulham: 9 times possession lost
Copenhagen: 1 time possession lost
These numbers reflect an impressive average of just six times per game throughout the season, highlighting Evans’ exceptional ball retention skills. At 35, his consistent performance is a commendable achievement, offering a calming influence on the team.

As 2024 approaches, the spotlight turns to other summer signings for Manchester United. Rasmus Hojlund, having secured his Premier League goal against Villa, aims to build on this success. Mason Mount, returning from injury, is eager to make an impact after his £60 million transfer.

Altay Bayindir is set to step into the goalkeeping role with Andre Onana’s absence due to AFCON, and Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat face the challenge of proving their worth as their loan deals approach expiration.

While Evans has proven himself as a standout signing, the spotlight now shifts to the rest of the summer acquisitions, hoping they can follow in his impressive footsteps. As Manchester United navigates 2024, the performance of these signings will be closely watched to determine their impact on the team.