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Erik ten Hag explains why Man United have re-signed Jonny Evans.
Erik ten Hag has emphasized Jonny Evans‘ “big authority” in defending Manchester United’s decision to sign the 35-year-old on a temporary contract.
When the Red Devils announced earlier this week that they had re-signed Evans, a few heads turned. He did, however, make an impression on the United coaching staff during training sessions after leaving Leicester City at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, and he will now assist the Red Devils in the preseason.
Ten Hag supports the player wholeheartedly because he thinks the senior centre-half, who boasts of a “big personality,” can make a significant difference by assisting the young 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 spent nine years at Old Trafford, making 198 appearances, scoring seven goals and dishing out an equal amount of assists. He graduated from United’s Youth. He left Old Trafford in 2015 to sign with West Bromwich Albion.
Evans was a substitute for United’s preseason match against Lyon on Wednesday and will travel with the team on its forthcoming American tour. During their stay in America, the Red Devils will play a series of friendly matches against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.