Why Jonny Evans would be a smart addition for Manchester United
According to Mirror (h/t Leicestershire Live), Manchester United have been linked with a move for their former player, Jonny Evans. The Leicester man’s current contract expires at the end of this season and the Red Devils are hoping to secure a low profile deal for him. There have also been talks of Evans signing a new deal at Leicester and he could also end up extending his stay.
Profile
The 32-year-old Northern Irish centre-back was playing for Greenisland FC when Manchester United scouted him and brought him to their academy in 2004. Despite being promoted to the first-team in 2006, he was sent out on successive loan spells to Royal Antwerp and Sunderland (twice).
It was only from 2008 that Evans started featuring for the Red Devils. Evans won three league titles during his time at United before departing for West Brom in 2015. He played a total of 198 games for the Red Devils, scoring and assisting 7 goals each. (h/t Transfermarkt)
After three seasons and 96 appearances for the Baggies, he moved to Leicester City when West Brom got relegated in 2018. He looked like a player reborn at Leicester and has made 82 appearances for them to date, scoring 3 goals and assisting 2. Evans is a veteran of the Northern Ireland team with 84 caps and 4 goals to his name.
Jonny Evans can be a good stop-gap solution for Manchester United
While spirits may be high for everyone associated with Manchester United after a stellar comeback against Southampton, there are huge problems that are still visible in every game. In the 9 league games played so far, Manchester United have conceded 16 goals. Four out of those nine times, they have conceded 2 or more. Against Tottenham, they shipped an embarrassing 6 goals.
While Harry Maguire may have improved the backline substantially, he still has shortcomings that are visible during most games. Other defenders also haven’t exactly sparkled with their performances. The need for a central defender was evident in the summer but none arrived.
With a crucial second half of the season to deal with, Manchester United could really use someone to shore up their backline. Hence, the interest in Jonny Evans is justified. The former Red Devil is a veteran of the Premier League and has been one of the most reliable defenders since joining Leicester.
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Given the current financial situation, Evans would be a smart option to pursue in January. His contract is in the final few months and there is a good chance for Manchester United to swoop in with a cut-price deal.
He already has the experience of playing alongside Maguire and for United as well. This makes him the perfect option for United to go after, with everything considered.
