JONNY EVANS has made such an impression on Manchester United’s coaching team that he could stay on beyond the summer.
Evans, 35, initially signed a short-term deal with his first club to cover friendlies with Lyon and Wrexham.
Erik Ten Hag asked him to stay for the rest of their pre-season American tour as United “needed the numbers in training.”
But insiders say Evans – released by Leicester when his contract expired at the end of last season – is in such good shape he could be part of the squad for the new campaign.
United could lose Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly in the current window, and with the ongoing takeover saga muddying the waters over the transfer kitty, Ten Hag is wary of being left short.
Evans’ leadership qualities, and ability to play from the back, have caught the manager’s eye – and could see him being given a contract.
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The Northern Irish centre back began his career at Old Trafford, winning three titles and a Champions League in a decade at the club.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly playing his way into ten Hag’s starting plans for the new season.
Garnacho returned early to training and has continued to impress the Reds chief during their preparations.
The Argentine wonder-boy, 19, made 34 appearances in his breakthrough season, including half an hour off the bench in the FA Cup final which nearly inspired a United comeback.
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Only 11 were from the start, but earned a new five-year deal in April and after last week’s friendly Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr was so blown away he gave him his signed shirt.
And insiders say he has risen to Ten Hag’s challenge to force his way into the line-up that he is set to begin the season as one of United’s key figures.
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