The 35-year-old made his first start for the club since 2015 and set up Bruno Fernandes for the only goal after having an earlier header ruled out.
For the first time this season, Evertonâs players could stride towards their supporters, chests puffed out. A small, yet vociferous, blue pocket of travelling fans roared in delight, celebrating a victory at Brentford few had predicted.
After spending ÂŁ175 million on signings this summer, Manchester Unitedâs inspiration to end their run of worrying defeats came in the form of Jonny Evans, their 35-year-old free agent who had been back at Carrington in pre-season while he looked for his next club.