Manchester United completed a deal to sign defender Jonny Evans on transfer deadline day.
On the face of it, Manchester United could have waited until after transfer deadline day to conclude a deal for free agent Jonny Evans.
But it was important to get it tied up yesterday in order for Evans to be registered to be in the squad against Arsenal this weekend, if required.
United announced Evans has signed a one-year deal, completing a surprise return after he originally trained with the club in July to keep fit.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Jonny Evans deal praised
Jonny Evans re-signing with Manchester United was discussed on Sky Sports News on transfer deadline day.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given had positive words about the deal, praising Jonny Evans for seizing his chance to impress.
Given said: “He’s won three Premier League titles and a Champions League title, so he brings that winning mentality.
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“They have injury concerns in that position, so that’s probably the main reason why he signed but you’ve got to give Jonny credit as well, he’s had the opportunity to train with them in pre-season, he’s worked really hard, Ten Gag’s seen enough to say ‘you know what, this guy is a perfect fit for what we need’.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard also expressed some positivity about Evans re-signing at Old Trafford.
Howard told Sky Sports: “It’s good to have an old head in camp, someone who knows the club, he can provide leadership, not always on the field but certainly off it”
Injuries lead to Evans deal
Jonny Evans begun training with Manchester United in early July, and then after FA Youth Cup winning captain Rhys Bennett suffered an injury, the club were left short at centre-back, with many internationals not yet returned.
This created an opportunity for Evans to play in a friendly match against Lyon, before the decision was taken for him to play against Wrexham in pre-season, and then join the main tour squad against Borussia Dortmund. He then played against Athletic Bilbao in the final pre-season game.
There was a report from the Belfast Telegraph in late July which claimed Burnley were keen, however, Evans stuck around at United at the request of Erik ten Hag.
Even though Harry Maguire has ended up staying, an opportunity has opened up, with Raphael Varane facing five weeks out, and Luke Shaw, who can also play centre-back, potentially missing double that time.
Getting Evans in is important in terms of cover, and United will address the centre-back position with more substantial investment next summer.
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