Erik ten Hag explains thought process behind signing 35-year-old Jonny Evans
Erik ten Hag believes Jonny Evans' move to Manchester United "is a benefit for both sides" after his shock transfer was announced.
United have re-signed Evans, 35, on a short-term deal after his contract with Leicester expired. The Northern Ireland international started visiting United's Carrington training ground earlier this summer and has done enough to earn a contract at Old Trafford.
His short-term deal was announced on Tuesday and he will be part of Ten Hag's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States. Evans, who will wear the No.27 shirt, made his debut in the pre-season friendly against Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
Evans isn't expected to remain part of Ten Hag's squad for the start of the new season, although he could earn a full year's contract if he impresses in the United States. A number of Premier League clubs will be interested in signing the respected defender.
Ten Hag was asked why he signed Evans ahead of Wednesday's friendly. "I know him for a long time, so I know his place was here, in Manchester," he told MUTV.
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"He came to train with us, to work on his fitness, and when I said, 'Yeah'. Not all the players are in - internationals are out, still having their break, so I thought it was a good idea to help each other out. Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out.
"The level, we know he is a really experienced player but also a very good person, a big personality, and I think he has big authority as well. He will help the young players especially. It is a benefit for both sides."
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Evans graduated from United's academy and played 198 first-team games before joining West Brom in 2015. He won three Premier League titles, two League Cups, four Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Champions League during that time.
Evans, who has also completed loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Sunderland, played 96 times for the Baggies but moved to Leicester after their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. He then suffered the same fate with the Foxes two months ago.
Yet Evans also helped Leicester finish fifth twice in the Premier League and completed a full set of club honours when they won the FA Cup in May 2021. He's also won 102 senior caps for Northern Ireland, becoming just the fourth man to achieve a century.
Evans' hopes of landing a long-term deal with United appear to depend on Harry Maguire's future at Old Trafford. The England international, 30, was stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag on Sunday and is now being linked with a summer transfer.
West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea are all believed to be interested in signing Maguire, who has two years left on his contract. The sticking point will be United's £50million price tag and his £200,000-a-week wages.
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