Experienced defender Jonny Evans might be returning to Old Trafford for one more season. Reports have been coming out of Europe that coach Erik ten Hag has appreciated the leadership the Northern Ireland man has displayed and finds his mentoring of the younger defenders to be invaluable. The Belfast Telegraph notes specifically that he “is understood to be close to earning a one-year deal”
Evans, who played with United from 2006 until 2015, returned to the squad this year to offer the team some depth for their pre-season friendlies. Originally it was not known if he was signing a contract to stay with the squad through the 2023/24 season, but an increasing amount of sources believe that he will soon be added to the next campaign’s plans.
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Johnny Evans Close to Extended United Return
Player’s Versatility Could Be A Key Decider
As the second-most capped player in Northern Irish history, with 17 years of representing them across Europe and the world, his name is a global brand, even though the 35-year-old defender suffered relegation with Leicester City last year and seems to be heading towards an eventual retirement.
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It is his ability to play in both the centre and wing-back positions that have kept Evans in the higher levels of British football for so long. Even as his speed has taken a slight decline since his glory days with the Red Devils, his intelligence and experience provide him an edge over the younger forwards in the Premier League.
Watch: Manchester United Pre-Season Analysis
Deal Not Yet Confirmed, But Evans’ Name On Many Trophies
The decision to give the player a one-year deal is set to be made later this month. Fabrizio Romano reported that the club were appreciative of all that Evans has done to aid the team this pre-season, but that recent speculation over a deal having already been reached was untrue.
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During his time spent with the club from 2006-2015, he won a Champions League final, three Premier League trophies, and four Community Shields. In the 2020/21 season, he helped Leicester achieve a shock FA Cup title victory over Chelsea, who he was also victorious over in the 2007/08 UCL Final.
Even while he spent the 2006/07 season on loan at Sunderland, the Northern Irish man helped them gain a memorable promotion to the Premier League. His name will long be inscribed on the trophies inside Old Trafford, and both he and the fans are likely dreaming of one last farewell season with the club it all began with.
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