Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to re-sign defender Jonny Evans on a permanent basis.
Jonny Evans began training with Manchester United to keep fit in mid-July, before being included in pre-season games with Erik ten Hag wanting extra defensive cover.
Now, according to the Belfast Telegraph, Manchester United are ready to offer Jonny Evans a one year deal.
The report claims: “Ten Hag has been impressed by Evans’ leadership and ability to play out from the back and he is wary of a lack of defensive cover. United insiders are now predicting a longer deal for Evans after he exceeded expectations during pre-season.”
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How Jonny Evans fits in
Jonny Evans featured in pre-season matches against Lyon, Wrexham and Borussia Dortmund.
Raphael Varane missed the Dortmund game with a minor injury and has a less than immaculate fitness record.
There are doubts over the future of Harry Maguire, who has gone from captain and automatic starter to fourth choice defender – at best. Sky Sports reported that West Ham made a bid for him last week.
If Maguire is sold, Evans could slot right in, ensuring United could spend funds from his sale in other areas, rather than having to sign another defender.
As a short-term fix, it works. A longer term solution in defence could be prioritised next summer. If Erik ten Hag believes Evans can be of use, the manager has earned enough trust by now.
198 Not Out
Jonny Evans played for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, making his debut in 2007, before being sold by Louis van Gaal in 2015.
Evans made 198 competitive appearances for the club, and now could get an unlikely opportunity to surpass the 200 figure.
Currently he ranks 111th among Manchester United players for all-time appearances. Among current players, Marcus Rashford sits highest with 359 appearances.
He has more than Bruno Fernandes, and would rank seventh among the current squad.
- Marcus Rashford (359 appearances)
- Anthony Martial (298)
- Luke Shaw (260)
- Victor Lindelof (231)
- Fred (213)
- Scott McTominay (209)
- Jonny Evans (198)
- Bruno Fernandes (185)
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