Man Utd to hand Johnny Evans a new one-year deal

Manchester United are on the brink of finalising a one-year contract for veteran defender Jonny Evans, according to The Telegraph. 

The news has sparked speculation about the future of Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.

Evans graduated from Man United’s youth academy and amassed nearly 200 appearances for the club before departing in 2015.

He returned this summer on a short-term contract and was part of the team’s pre-season tour of the United States. 

The 35-year-old had been training with the club’s Under-21 squad, maintaining his fitness as he contemplated his post-Leicester City options.

However, United manager Erik ten Hag has been impressed by Evans’ performances in training.

Recognising the value of experience and depth in the centre-half position, Ten Hag sees Evans as a viable choice for providing cover.

Having impressed at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester after leaving United, Evans boasts a remarkable career spanning nearly 500 club appearances.

He is also an experienced Northern Ireland international with 102 caps.

The talks between the club and Evans have reportedly been progressing positively, indicating a potential agreement within the upcoming days. 

However, the impending agreement has sparked curiosity about its implications for Maguire. 

This speculation is not unfounded, given Maguire’s drop down the pecking order and the £30 million bid from West Ham United, which ultimately collapsed.

Despite Maguire’s stature as an England international and having been signed for a hefty £80 million from Leicester in 2019, he has been struggling for playing time.

Ten Hag’s preferred centre-back pairing is Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, relegating Maguire to the sidelines. 

Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw have emerged ahead of him, with Shaw occasionally deployed in the centre-half role despite being a left-back.

With Evans potentially rejoining the ranks, questions arise about Maguire’s future.

Ten Hag said he was happy to keep Maguire after the West Ham move collapsed but reiterated that the England international must fight for his place in the line-up.