Manchester United “in talks” with academy graduate duo over fresh contracts

Manchester United are in talks with two of their old-school academy graduates with the goal of securing both players on new contracts this summer.

Manchester United‘s depth was tested to the maximum this season as Erik ten Hag dealt with an unprecedented injury crisis across the 2023/24 campaign.

Every single player in the squad, including some from the academy, was relied upon at times and, on occasion, out of position. Towards the end of the season, midfielder Casemiro had to play a string of games at centre-back to cover for endless problems.

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Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also had to share the auxiliary left-back role despite both players being right-footed, while Bruno Fernandes had to cover as a false-nine on occasion, too.

One background player who impressed a lot across the campaign was Jonny Evans, who was used many more times than necessary. The former academy graduate, along with Tom Heaton, is said to be in talks for new deals at the club this summer.

According to Manchester World, talks are continuing with both Heaton and Evans surrounding new contracts.

Both players are set to be free from their deals from Sunday onwards following the end of June, which is when most football contracts generally expire—but they may still re-sign with the club should a deal be agreed upon.

The report states that any renewals were unlikely until the managerial situation at the club was resolved, but now that it has been confirmed that Ten Hag will stay at United, it seems as if these talks are now continuing.

Although Heaton was not used as a player last season, his experience is understood to be invaluable in a dressing room that contains many young players, such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Evans, although initially signed as a fifth-choice defender, ended up making 30 appearances for United across the season due to the catastrophic number of injuries and impressed.

His leadership on the field and in the dressing room cannot be underestimated during one of the club’s most turbulent seasons in recent memory.

“Discussions remain open with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton over potential new contracts,” Manchester United themselves announced as part of their retained list three weeks ago.

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