This season was supposed to mark the beginning of Manchester United’s post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, a decade after they first began. The final member of United’s final Premier League title-winning team, after which Ferguson retired, has left thanks to David de Gea’s abrupt departure earlier this month. A new era began.
That new era lasted for about ten days, and if Jonny Evans, 35, ends up being the most unexpected acquisition of United’s summer, it might only be remembered as a brief interlude.
Evans currently only has a short-term contract with United, allowing him to play in the 1-0 friendly victory over Lyon in Edinburgh as well as the match against Wrexham the following week in San Diego, where he will add experience to a team that is primarily made up of younger players.
Ferguson would have approved of the move if it were to become more long-term, not least because he was said to have been shocked by Louis van Gaal’s decision to fire a player he once referred to as “arguably the best defender in the country.”
The more immediate predecessor of Erik ten Hag would be encouraging as well. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once remarked, “You know, Jonny Evans should have been a Manchester United player now.” Jonny Evans, I’m sure, feels something for Manchester United, and we feel something for him.
Whatever emotions there may be, the main reason this agreement was reached is that it makes sense from both parties’ perspectives.
After his five-year stint at Leicester City came to an end this summer, Evans, who returned to Carrington training at the start of United’s preseason programme earlier this month, can keep up his fitness there.
There was not a demand for United to make him any kind of formal offer to come in and train because his contract at the King Power Stadium had expired. Evans’ re-entry is said to have been a natural result of his pre-existing connections at the club. The Northern Ireland international remains close with both his former teammate Darren Fletcher and United’s technical director.
Jonny Evans back in a Manchester United shirt for the first time since 2015 🔙 pic.twitter.com/cE31Gpk33P
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 19, 2023
It’s not unusual for United to re-invite ex-players who have reached the end of their contracts to Carrington. One player who accepted such an offer was Demetri Mitchell. Academy players who have been released from their clubs utilise the facilities each season. These returnees do not, of course, fit Evans’ description.
Even so, the short-term contract was necessary to cover Evans and the club in case of injury, allowing him to participate in these two games despite the unofficial status of his return. Even though it might seem like a romantic comeback, United need him to complete a task.
Ten Hag was forced to travel to Murrayfield with just three center-halves due to Rhys Bennett’s injury. Will Fish, one of them, had planned to remain in Edinburgh and join Hibernian, but he will now fly to the United States for the Wrexham match before finalising his move.
If Ten Hag had wanted to use two different starting lineups for each half against Lyon, that would still have left his team lacking a centre-half. After lengthy seasons that were cut short by injuries, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez should be given some time to adjust to their new roles.
So, 16 years after his first United debut, Evans made his second, and he did it with the poise and authority that the club’s leaders and supporters have come to associate with him over the years.
One incident stood out: the Murrayfield crowd erupted in rapturous applause after the left wing’s hard challenge, louder than when he was warming up earlier in the game. At full-time, there was a stop for photos and autographs.
This would undoubtedly be a well-liked comeback.
But is that a possibility worth pursuing? No promises are being made for the time being, but an extension of the short-term agreement is also not being ruled out.
The choice will be Influenced by at least two variables. First, his physical condition. The 35-year-old had a season marred by calf and thigh injuries that kept him out for weeks at a time last year, making just 14 appearances for Leicester. A backup that is infrequently accessible isn’t really a backup option.
Then there is the issue of whether United will actually require a new centre back, which will probably depend on transfers in and transfers out. Despite being openly unwilling to sell Harry Maguire, the club is prepared to consider offers. Even if Maguire leaves, United’s well-known financial restrictions would make it difficult to find a replacement. Unless they already possess one in the structure, that is.
Evans’ return as well as participation with the academy may be comparable to Paul McShane’s unexpected return two years ago in a player-coach capacity in the youth setup, but United currently do not have an opening for such a position. Tom Huddlestone recently signed a new contract to continue playing the same role he did last season.
Evans probably still has excessively to offer to retreat into semi-retirement, whatever the case. If Ten Hag comes to the same conclusion over the course of these coming weeks, only time will tell.
