Wayne Rooney hails ‘fantastic’ Jonny Evans after shock Manchester United return

Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans were team-mates for six years (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says Jonny Evans is a ‘fantastic player’and is pleased to see his former team-mate back at Old Trafford.

The Northern Irishman signed a short-term deal with United on Tuesday, and will travel with the club on their pre-season tour.

Evans had been training with United’s U21s following his release from Leicester City after the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship.

The defender came through United’s academy and made nearly 200 first team appearances before joining West Brom in 2015.

Evans was close friends with Rooney during his time at Old Trafford, and the pair remain close despite Rooney’s residence on the east coast of America.

Evans has signed a short-term deal with his old club (Picture: Getty)

And, speaking ahead of the MLS All-Stars game against Arsenal, Rooney praised Evans on his return to Old Trafford.

‘I’ve literally just seen it. Dripped through before coming in,’ Rooney said.

‘Yeah, I think Jonny is a fantastic player.

‘Obviously he’s had his injuries over the last couple of years but I haven’t seen any details of it. I’m assuming he’s signed as cover and [in case] there are any injuries to the centre-backs that are starting.’

Meanwhile, Rooney has urged United transfer target Harry Kane to leave Tottenham, believing ‘now is the time’ for the England captain to move onto pastures new.

United held exploratory talks with Spurs at the start of the summer and were quoted a £100m fee, whilst Bayern Munich have seen two bids rejected by the north Londoners in recent weeks.

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