Man Utd complete surprise transfer as veteran defender signs one-year deal
Jonny Evans has signed a one-year contract with Manchester United.
Evans, without a club since his contract with Leicester expired in the summer, signed a short term deal with former club United to take part in their pre-season tour of the US. But United boss Erik ten Hag has taken up the option to sign Evans for the reminder of the season as cover in central defence.
In his previous spell at the club, Evans won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League, making 198 first team appearances.
Evans said: “I am delighted to join Manchester United, a place which has always felt like home. This club and the fans have shaped me as a player and as a person since I was 15 years-old, and I am delighted to be back where it all began as part of this talented squad.
“I’ve really enjoyed working under the manager and his coaching staff since the start of pre-season, and I’m looking forward to helping this group achieve success together at this fantastic football club."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dashJohn Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said: “Jonny is a winner who has experienced everything in the game. These characteristics are invaluable to the culture that we’re building here.
“His attitude and work ethic are second to none and Erik and the coaching staff know he’s someone they can rely on whenever needed this season. We all welcome Jonny back and hope he can add further achievements to the success he has already enjoyed with the club.”
Evans is the third new signing at Old Trafford on deadline day following the loan deal to bring in Sergio Reguilon and the £5m signing of new goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Both Reguilon and Bayindir will be available for Sunday's meeting with Arsenal, Ten Hag confirmed on Friday.
Reguilon arrived after United went from too many options at left-back to too few, when Luke Shaw ’s muscle injury compounded the absence of Tyrell Malacia and recent exits.
“He’s a very experienced player, played for big clubs, played already a lot of games in LaLiga, Premier League, so, yes, I think very good background,” Ten Hag said. “We have seen he can play very intense football, so we are happy while we had a problem with Luke Shaw injured, Tyrell Malacia injured, therefore long-term out. So I think we responded very well on that emergency situation.”