Man Utd re-sign Jonny Evans on short-term deal
Veteran centre-back Jonny Evans has signed a short-term deal with Manchester United that will allow him to partake in the club’s upcoming pre-season games in Scotland and the United States.
The 35-year-old famously came through Man Utd’s academy and was handed his debut by Sir Alex Ferguson. He went on to make 198 appearances for the club over a nine-year period, before he was sold to West Bromwich Albion in 2015.
He has been training with the club’s under-21s to maintain fitness levels as he weighs up his options following his departure from Leicester City at the end of last season.
During his first stint at the club, the 102-capped Northern Ireland international won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the Club World Cup and two League Cups. He is now the only Man Utd player in Erik ten Hag’s squad who has won the Premier League.
Evans’ short-term deal will see him travel with the main squad to Edinburgh to face Lyon on Wednesday, before he jets off to the United States with the club. However, he will remain with the academy players in San Diego, while the first-team squad base themselves in New York.
ℹ️ Erik has named a 24-man travelling squad for tomorrow’s clash with Lyon, including Jonny Evans, who has signed a short-term deal.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2023
The news comes amid speculation linking Evans to Everton following a now-deleted social media post by the club that appeared to confirm the rumours. In a snippet of pre-season training footage, a background voice can be heard saying: “We’ve got Jonny Evans coming in.”
Despite this, reliable Everton sources have since denied claims that the club are chasing the free agent, who will turn 36 next season. Sean Dyche will likely be in the market for centre-back reinforcements following the departures of Yerry Mina and Conor Coady.
Man Utd meanwhile could need a strong voice in the dressing room amid uncertainty over Harry Maguire’s future. The 30-year-old was stripped of his captaincy over the weekend and has since been linked with a move to West Ham, who recently saw a loan offer rejected.
Man Utd face Lyon on Wednesday, before attention turns to the United States for games against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. They finish up in England against Lens and Athletic Club.
