01 August 2023 , 18:57
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Manchester United are close to giving Jonny Evans a new one-year contract.
Evans, 35, was re-signed by United on a short-term deal last month to allow him to play on their tour of the United States. Erik ten Hag has been impressed by what he's seen of the Northern Ireland international and is considering offering him a longer deal.
Ten Hag is an admirer of Evans' experience, leadership skills and his ability to play out from the back. Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to welcome the news of the defender's return after being surprised by United's decision to sell him to West Brom in 2015.
Evans is one of the most respected centre-backs in the Premier League after winning three titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and the FA Cup during his time with United and Leicester. He's also played 356 times in England's top flight.
As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, Evans is close to landing a one-year contract with United. Ten Hag wants cover for Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, with Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly potentially leaving Old Trafford this month.
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Bailly hasn't played for United under Ten Hag after spending last season on loan with Marseille and missing their tour of the United States. Maguire was stripped of the captaincy last month, suggesting he doesn't have a long-term future at the club.
Other newspapers have also reported news of Ten Hag's desire to hand Evans a longer contract. It would complete a sensational comeback for Evans, who was sold to West Brom by former United boss Louis van Gaal during the summer of 2015.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a big fan of Evans (Getty Images)Do you think Manchester United should re-sign Jonny Evans? Let us know in the comments below!
Ferguson was staggered by United's decision to sell Evans, according to Michael O'Neill. The Northern Ireland manager told the Belfast Telegraph as much in 2017.
He said: "After last year's Euros, there was a conference in France for the coaches and Sir Alex was there talking about it and he openly said to me that he could not believe Van Gaal had sold Jonny from United. Because having seen him come through, he felt Jonny would spend his whole career at United or certainly to the latter stages of his career."
Ferguson may now get his wish, with Evans potentially finishing his career at Old Trafford. The shock of him initially leaving United has been backed up by Steven Davis, his international team-mate. "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," he said.
"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 Utd 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."
A number of Premier League clubs will be interested in signing Evans, who was released by Leicester in June, if Ten Hag decides against offering him a new contract.