While the move itself was quite unexpected, following a short spell training with the Manchester United squad in pre-season, Jonny Evans was offered a short-term contract at the club. Awaiting the prospect of a more permanent deal, the veteran defender could provide the team with valuable experience and cover at the back.
Evans penned a short-term contract with the Red Devils on 18 July, initially expected to last for just one month, albeit with options remaining open to extend that deal into the 2023-24 season. Likewise, his vast experience could be a huge boon for manager Erik ten Hag, as he seeks to mastermind a potential bid for the Premier League title.
City the Team to Beat
Manchester City top the latest Premier League betting odds, valued as 8/11 outright favourites, as Pep Guardiola looks to engineer a fourth consecutive title triumph. Arsenal and Liverpool are tipped as the strongest contenders, followed by Manchester United at 17/2 odds, indicating they still have plenty of work to do.
Jonny Evans has played a game for Manchester United for the first time since 15th September 2015. That was 2865 days ago.
Once a red…🔴 pic.twitter.com/M9rEh7oor8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 19, 2023
But with the addition of Evans, the club has brought in someone who knows Old Trafford well and was present when United last won the Premier League title. That was during the 2012-13 campaign, the last under the guidance of legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, when Evans was considered to be a key part of the first team squad.
Evans originally joined the Manchester United in 2004, accompanied later by his younger brother Corry, with both originally hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland. Although things ultimately didn’t work out for Corry, who moved on to Hull City in 2011 and went on to enjoy a solid career, Jonny remained and earned the confidence of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Evans won three Premier League titles and the EFL Cup twice, along with participating in four FA Community Shield victories and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup triumph. Providing reliable cover for defensive titans Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, he also regularly partnered both and never once looked out of place.
However, when Louis van Gaal took the helm, the Northern Ireland international was deemed surplus to requirements. Evans moved on to West Brom in the summer of 2015, before switching to Leicester City in 2018, proving himself vital as the Foxes lifted the FA Cup in 2021. Last season he captained the side, albeit with lesser impact as the side was eventually relegated.
Evans Shows His Class
Following the conclusion of his contract and release by Leicester City, the opportunity to rejoin Manchester United took everyone by surprise, although the club had no hesitation affording Evans the opportunity to train with the squad. Keeping fit while seeking a new club was the principal aim, but he could be just what the Red Devils need right now, according to MEN reports.
While the club has yet to confirm whether they intend to extend the deal for Evans, much will depend on the immediate future of Harry Maguire, who could leave Old Trafford if a suitable offer arrives. This would make 35-year-old Evan an ideal option for additional cover, especially having impressed management with his efforts and personality in pre-season.