Erik ten Hag, in explaining Manchester United’s decision to sign Jonny Evans on a short-term deal, emphasized the defender’s “big authority” and “big personality.”
While the announcement of Evans’ re-signing raised some eyebrows, he made a positive impression on the United staff during training sessions after leaving Leicester City at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Evans will now provide assistance to the Red Devils during pre-season, and Ten Hag firmly supports the veteran center-back, believing that his presence can have a significant impact, particularly in guiding and mentoring the younger players.
“Of course I know [about] him for a long time, I know his place was here, was in Manchester. We welcomed him to come and train with us, to work on his fitness, and then I said not all the players are in, the internationals were out still on their break,” the United boss told MUTV.
“So I thought it was a good idea to help each other out. Jonny can work on his fitness, and he can help us out with [our] level.
“We know he’s a very experienced player but also a very good person, big personality, and I think he has a big authority as well and he can help the young players especially in such moments. So it benefits all sides.”
The Northern Irishman is a graduate of United’s academy and spent nine years at Old Trafford, making 198 appearances while scoring seven goals and providing an equal number of assists. In 2015, he left Old Trafford to join West Bromwich Albion.
Evans was named as a substitute for United’s pre-season friendly against Lyon on Wednesday, and will be a part of the club’s upcoming tour of the United States.
The Red Devils will play a string of friendlies against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund during their time in America.