Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with Northern Irish defender Johnny Evans, which plunges Harry Maguire’s future into further doubt.
According to a report from James Ducker, from The Telegraph, the defender, who joined the club this summer as cover due to injuries, is set to be rewarded with a one-year contract at United.
The defender, who had played over 200 games for the Old Trafford side before he departed in 2015, was originally supposed to be involved in the under-21 setup in order to keep his fitness up.
What this means for United’s pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo remains to be seen but it seems unlikely that a defender will be targeted if this news is true.
Maguire’s future is also under increasing scrutiny and this news will certainly add further scrutiny to his future.
Ten Hag impressed
According to the same report from The Telegraph, Erik ten Hag has been impressed with what he has seen from Evans so far and the veteran defender could prove an experienced option as cover for centre-back.
The defender has spent the last eight years at West Brom and Leicester City but the former United man could well be about to stay at Old Trafford for another year.
Evans and United have been in talks over a contract for the past few weeks but it seems a resolution over the defender’s future could be in the next few days.
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Are United making the right decision with Evans
It comes as a surprise that the defender is set to stay beyond the first few weeks of his return to the club.
There was a surprise when the defender was included in the travelling squad for United’s pre-season games but the defender featured in games across the tour.
United should really be targeting a younger defender with Todibo available for a decent price this summer but the Old Trafford side seemingly does not have the funds to be able to sign the Frenchman.
Evans, at 35, doesn’t exactly represent what United and ten Hag are looking for.
He may well offer United much-needed experience but can he be relied upon if United have an injury crisis this season, it seems unlikely.