INEOS urged to extend Man United player’s contract after “superb” performances

INEOS have been urged to extend the contract of one Manchester United player who has produced “superb” performances this season.

The Reds have had a poor season overall this term, although victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City could end the campaign on a high.

Defensive injuries have been a large reason behind Erik ten Hag’s side having difficulties. The Dutch manager has rarely ever been able to field a consistent centre-back partnership and has been without a left-back for the majority of the season.

Interestingly, Jonny Evans has needed to be relied on for most of the campaign. He re-signed for the club in the summer on a one-year deal to be a supporting act and help with the academy players.

However, despite starting as the fifth-choice centre-back, Evans quickly began to start games in the Premier League due to injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and Raphaël Varane.

The 37-year-old has made 28 appearances this term and started in games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

INEOS are now planning a major rebuild of the playing squad at Old Trafford, and central defence is a priority to fix.

Yet, if the likes of Maguire and Victor Lindelöf leave – alongside Varane, who has already announced his end-of-season departure – then it might make sense for Evans to remain at the club for another season.

That is what the defender’s former Northern Ireland teammate Stuart Dallas believes should happen, and he has stated that Evans has been the best defender at the club this season.

The ex-Leeds midfielder told The Belfast Telegraph : “Of course, Man United should keep Jonny. Jonny has probably surprised himself at how often he has played this year. But it’s not just that he has played, he has been Manchester United’s best defender.

“The games I’ve watched, Jonny has been superb. Jonny’s quality has never left him — his ability to read the game is there for all to see. His experience has helped Man United this season.”