Evra said that Ten Hag had dropped his captain Harry Maguire, put Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, and he gave the left-back Malacia an opportunity.

The former France international also said that he was pleased to see the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as the Red Devils’ centre-back.

Recall that Ten Hag joined Man United from Ajax a few months ago.

“He dropped the captain, he put Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, he gave the left-back Malacia an opportunity and that was a massive statement,” Evra told Betfair.

“Things changed with a few players, it’s not because they were playing that bad, but around those players, there was a lot of negativity, and sometimes you have to get rid of this negativity. He had the courage to do it.

“With those big decisions, Ten Hag sent massive shockwaves. He’s right, but you have a manager and you have to respect his decision.”

He added: “I understand the frustration of Cristiano Ronaldo, but also Ten Hag was like ‘I’m going to start a new era, Ronaldo is still in my plan,’ and I’m sure Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plan.

“I think Ten Hag and Ronaldo need to, if they haven’t already, have an honest discussion. Everything that is happening right now is logical.

“The captaincy is always a big issue, especially when you play for Manchester United.

“To drop the captain is a massive statement. This is more important than Cristiano Ronaldo or whoever. It must be hard for Harry Maguire.

“People have been unfair with him because even now when he plays a good game, people will criticise him, even when he’s not playing if we lose, people will blame him and this is unfair.

“Right now, they have Varane, Martinez and the way they are fighting, giving everything, I’m really pleased with what I see.”