Ben Foster Predicts Jonny Evans Can ‘Slot Into’ Manchester United First Team

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has made a bold prediction about defender Jonny Evans, who is back at Old Trafford on a short-term deal. Foster, who now plays for League Two side Wrexham, knows Evans from their time together at Old Trafford and feels the defender is more than capable of working his way back into the first team under Erik ten Hag.

Evans is back at Old Trafford after being released by Leicester City this summer following their relegation from the Premier League last season. The 35-year-old has signed a short-term contract with the Red Devils – allowing him to feature in pre-season matches – but the deal will expire when the 2023-24 season officially begins in August, unless United decide to keep him on board.

The Northern Irish legend came through United’s academy and made 198 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2015 before moving to West Brom and then Leicester, where he has been for the last five years.

Foster Praises Evans

Speaking after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s side produced a 3-1 friendly win in the USA against an experimental United XI which featured Evans and a bunch of youngsters, Foster was asked about which players stood out.

‘It’s such a huge gap, honestly, to bridge that gap from the U23s to the first team,’ Foster, now known for his podcast and YouTube channel, told The United Stand.

‘Nowadays, it’s not even possible. United have the whole word to choose from. If they’re struggling in a position, they can go out and spent £40m-£50m – it’s just the way it goes.

‘For me, Jonny Evans was the guy today. I love him. He’s a Rolls Royce, honestly. For him to step on the pitch, he hasn’t played football for two, three or four months. He went out there tonight and was the most comfortable defender.

‘He’s one of the best defenders I have ever played with, Jonny Evans, honestly. I know he would do a job, seriously. All our (Wrexham) lads were saying that he could slot into that (United) first-team easily.

‘He’s exactly the type of defender you need. Someone who is happy receives the ball, take a touch, nice and calm and composed and lay it off.’

Will Evans Stay at Manchester United?

Evans is no stranger to Manchester United fans having come through their academy and made 198 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2015 before moving to West Brom and then Leicester.

Foster’s comments suggest that Evans could be a valuable asset to Manchester United if they decide to keep him on board beyond his short-term contract. However, it remains to be seen whether United will decide to extend his stay or allow him to move on once his contract expires.

Whatever happens, it is clear that Evans still has plenty to offer and could be a valuable asset for any team he joins.