It was another difficult night out for on Saturday, but a spectacular volley proved the difference between the sides at Turf Moor as the visitors beat Burnley 1-0.
The Red Devils came into the game off three straight defeats and they were certainly not brimming with confidence despite being clear favourites against the newly-promoted side.
They were also hampered by a long list of injuries, which saw start his first game for the club since 2015, partnering in central defence.
Remarkably, Evans was heavily involved in United’s offence, seeing a goal ruled out as Rasmus Hojlund was offside, before providing a brilliant assist for a goal which was not chalked off.
The Northern Irish veteran was allowed time on the ball just inside Burnley’s half and he picked out a long, raking pass on his left foot to Fernandes inside the right hand side of the penalty box.
The Portuguese midfielder watched it all the way and beautifully timed his volley back across goalkeeper James Trafford and into the far corner.
That glorious effort came just before half-time and, while there were opportunities to come at both ends, there was little chance that anything would match it, and it didn’t.
Burnley were bright for the majority of the contest, Luca Koleosho looking dangerous and Zeki Amdouni striking the post in the first half.
Andre Onana was forced into action multiple times in the second half as the Clarets pushed for an equaliser, but the Cameroonian emerged with a cherished clean sheet after recent struggles.
The Red Devils could have had more goals themselves, but Marcus Rashford is some way from his best form, while Hojlund is clearly still settling into the Premier League and was not overly threatening.
The win is what Erik ten Hag needed, though, and that is what he got, although he will be disappointed with yet another injury seemingly suffered in his defence.
Sergio Reguilon, brought in on loan to provide cover at left-back for the injured Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, appeared to suffer a hamstring problem and was taken off for Raphael Varane late in the second half.
Victory takes United up to eighth in the Premier League table, while Burnley remain rooted to the bottom of the division with just one point from their opening five games.
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