Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s initial plan last summer included selling then-skipper Harry Maguire and using that money to try and bring in a new defender who would be more suited to the style he was trying to develop.
In the end, however, the England international’s deal with West Ham United fell through and the Red Devils were forced to abandon their plans of signing Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice.
Instead, with very little options left on the table, the club opted to offer veteran Jonny Evans a one-year deal after the Northern Irishman impressed the Dutchman during training.
The former academy graduate had been training with the club to keep his fitness up after being released by former outfit Leicester City and he would never have thought at that point that a return to his boyhood club would be an option.
Evans’ return to United
Eyebrows were raised and his debut came in a game with Arsenal where the club ended up conceding two late goals, which further infuriated the fanbase.
Since then, the 36-year-old has rolled back the years and has impressed with his ability on the ball, which he never lost, while his reading of the game and experienced head helped the club in difficult situations.
With a mounting injury crisis, the three-time Premier League winner ended up playing way more than even he would hoped for, making 25 appearances in all competitions while registering one glorious assist.
Such has been his impact that Ten Hag reportedly wants him to stay on and sign another rolling deal. Currently, the 07/08 Champions League winner is out injured and new co-owners INEOS have plans to focus on youth instead of signing experienced stars.
That could mean another new deal for the Northern Ireland international might not materialise even though Ten Hag has come out fighting for Evans in public.
Interestingly, Givemesport have now revealed that the club hierarchy have been impressed with what Sir Alex Ferguson’s protege has offered and plan to induct him into the coaching staff moving forward.
With so many young academy talents coming forward, the club feel Evans’ experience can be best utilised if he works in tandem with the rising crop on the coaching side of things.
“Although United are cost-cutting and streamlining staff, word from inside the club’s Carrington training HQ is that veteran defender Jonny Evans may have been earmarked for a future position on the coaching staff.
“Despite several excellent displays it’s uncertain if the Northern Ireland defender will be offered another one-year deal. That’s likely to be determined once the futures of Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have been sorted out.
Coaching deal in the pipeline
“But, Evans’ calmness, football knowledge and experience has been noted by senior figures who, going forward, are keen to keep him involved with young defenders like Willy Kambwala.”
The centre-back will also likely have a say regarding the matter. If he thinks he can still offer something on the playing side, he might leave for pastures new and return when the time is appropriate.
If United do indeed recruit two centre-backs in the summer, the veteran’s chances of earning minutes might decrease but the club can benefit from his wisdom if he is indeed kept around for another year.
A coaching role can then be offered when the defender is ready to hang up his boots. As he has shown this season, Evans certainly can go toe-to-toe with the best when required.
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