Jonny Evans Promoted to Manchester United First-Team Squad for Pre-Season Tour
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made the decision to promote Jonny Evans from the U21s to the first-team squad for the remainder of their pre-season tour. The 35-year-old Northern Irishman has impressed Ten Hag since returning to United on a short-term deal, delivering stellar performances during the team’s tour in the USA.
Evans’ contract with Manchester United is only valid until the start of the 2023-24 campaign, which means Ten Hag still needs to make a decision on whether or not to keep him for the new season. However, Evans’ performances have certainly caught the attention of the Dutch manager and his coaching staff.
One of the standout moments for Evans came during United’s friendly against Wrexham, where he was labeled a “Rolls Royce” by Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster. Evans’ solid defensive display and leadership qualities have also been praised by Ten Hag, who highlighted his influence on the club’s younger players.
Ten Hag stated, “Jonny wants to stay fit, he still wants a career. Last week I think he played a very good game against Lyon, and you could see how he was mentoring the younger players and pushing them to a higher level. That can be really helpful.”
Evans’ journey back to Manchester United has been an interesting one. He was released by Leicester City this summer following their shock relegation from the Premier League last season. Evans originally came through United’s academy and made 198 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2015 before moving to West Brom and then Leicester.
In addition to promoting Evans, Ten Hag has also decided to include 19-year-old centre-forward Joe Hugill in the first-team squad for the remainder of United’s tour in the United States. This move demonstrates Ten Hag’s willingness to give young talents an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place in the senior squad.
As the pre-season tour continues, Ten Hag will closely evaluate the performances of both Evans and Hugill. Their contributions on and off the pitch will play a significant role in determining their futures at Manchester United. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Evans can secure a longer-term contract with the club and if Hugill can make a strong impression as a young striker.
For more stories and updates on Manchester United, be sure to check our sport page. You can also follow Metro Sport on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and insights.
In conclusion, Jonny Evans’ promotion to the Manchester United first-team squad for the pre-season tour is a testament to his impressive performances and leadership qualities. Erik ten Hag recognizes the value that Evans brings to the team, both on and off the pitch. As the tour progresses, all eyes will be on Evans and his potential future at the club. Additionally, the inclusion of young talent like Joe Hugill highlights Ten Hag’s commitment to nurturing and developing promising players. Manchester United fans can look forward to an exciting pre-season tour as the team prepares for the upcoming season.