Manchester United were looking to sign a new centre-back. It became very important after an injury to Raphael Varane which would take him out of action for months. However, as Man Utd failed to sell Harry Maguire, it became difficult for them to sign another centre-back. West Ham had interests in Harry Maguire. Man United accepted West Ham’s bid of £30m. However, Harry Maguire’s wages made the deal too expensive for the hammers and they backed off. Therefore, United had to look into their past and sign Jonny Evans on a one-year contract as confirmed by Laurie Whitwell from The Athletic.
#MUFC confirm Jonny Evans has signed a one-year contract.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 1, 2023
Evans: “I am delighted to join Manchester United, a place which has always felt like home. This club + the fans have shaped me as a player + as a person since I was 15 years-old.”https://t.co/kd1ncCG7Qf
Jonny Evans impressed Manchester United players and Ten Hag
After departing from Leicester City, Jonny Evans came to Carrington to prepare for the new season. After a few training sessions with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff, it was evident that the Manchester United manager was impressed by the former defender under Sir Alex Fergusson. So, they decided to give him a contract for a month which would end after the pre-season. The 35-year-old Irish defender also played for United during pre-season games and looked sharper than Harry Maguire. And, thus, when United didn’t get any other centre-back from the transfer market as they failed to sell Maguire, a contract for Jonny Evans was on the cards.
Will Jonny Evans start for Manchester United?
Manchester United right now have a very strong group of defenders. With the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof, it will be very hard for Jonny to be a starter. However, one thing is for sure and that is he will be higher up in the pecking order than Harry Maguire who is an afterthought right now for Erik ten Hag. So, as Varane is injured, you can expect Jonny to make appearances as a substitute. Apart from that, you can also expect him to start the games in the Carabao Cup.
So, Man Utd fans, do you think the second stint of Jonny Evans at United will be a successful one? Let us know in the comments!