Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is happy to see Jonny Evans return to Manchester United, with talks over a short-term contract expected to conclude soon.
The 35-year-old returned to United earlier this summer to build up fitness ahead of finding a new club following his release from Leicester City.
Evans started two games in pre-season and has continued to train with the first team.
With the recent injury to Raphael Varane and the lack of funds to sign a new centre-back, it looks like Evans will be kept on at United for the season. Perhaps another example of Glazernomics but we’ll leave that for another day.
Despite not making any of United’s match day squads this season, Evans has been called up for Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
Northern Ireland squad ⚽️@KilmarnockFC midfielder Brad Lyons earns first call-up as boss Michael O'Neill names @NorthernIreland squad for @EURO2024 qualifiers against Slovenia & Kazakhstan. pic.twitter.com/06V5kIvKME
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) August 29, 2023
Speaking to Irish News, Michael O’Neill said: “We all know Jonny is in discussions with Manchester United and hopefully there will be a resolution to that soon. Jonny has had a really good pre-season playing a number of games but hasn’t played a competitive game at this moment in time.”
Evans is unlikely to get many games this season unless we suffer more injuries at the back. That said, he might get minutes in the Carabao Cup when United host Crystal Palace in the third round.
On another note, I really wouldn’t be surprised if Evans stayed around and walked into a coaching role at the club once he retires.
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