Jonny Evans to Manchester United – how a former teammate facilitated return to old club

Jonny Evans’ return to Manchester United came as a shock to most people, even if it is only a short-term deal for the defender to work on his fitness.

Speculation continues to mount over the future of Evans, who played in a midweek friendly win over Lyon at Hampden Park.

Erik ten Hag has included the 35-year-old in the squad to travel to the USA with United’s academy next week, and there are growing calls for Evans to be offered a longer contract.

Read more: Manchester United legends all agree on Jonny Evans contract position

It has emerged that Evans’ return to his former club was facilitated by ex-teammate Darren Fletcher, who is now technical director at Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News said: “Another addition to the United squad, Jonny Evans, is indebted to old teammate and technical director Darren Fletcher for his homecoming. Fletcher asked United on Evans’ behalf if he could train with the Under-21s, which paved the way for his short-term deal.

Darren Fletcher, technical director of Manchester United (Image: Getty)

“Evans, Will Fish and Willy Kambwala are likely to be the centre halves who fly to San Diego for the academy’s friendly with Wrexham next week.”

Meanwhile, three other Manchester United greats all believe Evans should be offered a longer contract by Ten Hag.

Bryan Robson, Andy Cole and Denis Irwin have all urged the United boss to extend the veteran defender’s stay at Old Trafford.

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