Man Utd could hand 35-year-old Jonny Evans deal after Erik ten Hag impressed

30 July 2023 , 23:05

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Jonny Evans could be set to stay at Manchester United (Image: PA)

Manchester United could offer veteran defender Jonny Evans a one-year deal after impressing in pre-season.

Evans came through United's academy and made almost 200 appearances for the first team before leaving to join West Bromwich Albion in 2015. And the 35-year-old returned to United this summer on a short-term deal following his release by Leicester.

He initially began training with the under-21s in a bid to keep fit while searching for a new club, before signing a short-term contract for pre-season friendlies against Lyon and Wrexham. "I know him for a long time, so I know his place was here, in Manchester," manager Erik ten Hag told MUTV when asked about Evans' return.

"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 was then asked to remain with the squad for the rest of their stay in the US, with Ten Hag stating United "need the numbers for proper training". And the Sun are reporting that Evans could 'stay on beyond the summer' and 'be part of the squad for the new campaign'.

The report states that Ten Hag has been impressed by Evans' leadership and ability to play out from the back, which could see him offered a one-year contract. Ten Hag is also said to be 'wary of being left short' of options in defence.

Evans has impressed Erik ten Hag in pre-season (Getty Images)

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are his first-choice centre-back pairing, with Victor Lindelof primarily providing cover. Both Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly could be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer, with Maguire now no longer captain and Bailly having not played for United since December 2021.

Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have also been released. And Evans' former teammate Steven Davis believes United should keep him "beyond pre-season". Davis said: "Having played with him for so many years I know the quality he possesses and what he brings with his experience to a dressing room.

"I'm sure that was noticed quite early on having been away from the club for a few years. I wouldn't put it past him extending his stay there beyond pre-season. I think we were all surprised when Man United let him go because whenever you play with him and see the quality he has first hand, it is a player every one rates very highly."

Matthew Cooper