There is usually one deal a summer which perplexes Manchester United supporters. Last summer was no different.
From the 2018 move for Lee Grant, to the 2021 signing of Tom Heaton, Manchester United have invariably targeted older free agents to supplement the squad at no extra cost. The difference with those two, was that they were goalkeepers, signed to play the rarely-seen role of third choice stopper.
Last summer’s move for Jonny Evans was a little more eyebrow-raising.
Evans, 35 at the time, was part of a Leicester City side relegated last season, and had left Manchester United in 2015. Nobody had expected him to return.
After arriving just as pre-season cover, Evans managed to impress Erik ten Hag enough to earn a one-year contract.
Jonny Evans takes his chance
Jonny Evans has become a dependable option for Manchester United, stepping up amid a season derailed by defensive injuries.
We wrote late last year that the free agent addition was actually shaping up as the club’s best signing of the summer.
While Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have since kicked on, Evans has certainly not gone backwards. Now 36, he remains as dependable as ever.
Erik ten Hag thrilled with Evans deal
Evans helped Manchester United to a clean sheet in Saturday’s win over Everton, a 2-0 victory to snap a streak of two consecutive Premier League losses.
Manager Erik ten Hag spoke at the weekend to express his happiness the club made the decision to sign Evans in the summer.
He said: “We are so pleased we signed the fifth centre-back because normally, you say: ‘Why five centre-backs in the squad?’ But you see, we are so happy we did this.
“As you see, his performance across the season, he’s such an important player for this squad. [He will] always be there when he’s needed and give good performances.”
Lisandro Martinez has ended up missing most of the season due to injuries, and Evans was a low-risk option, it actually made a lot of sense as a short-term deal.
Now there is even a chance United could look to re-sign Evans for an extra year. If that did happen, he’s certainly earned it.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/XzEAPBo