Man United unexpected star will have plenty of options this summer, claims manager

Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland manager, believes that there will be a lot of interest in Jonny Evans this summer if he leaves Manchester United.

Jonny Evans has played an unexpectedly starring role at Manchester United this season after an injury crisis has left the club with a lack of centre-half options.

Originally signed for Erik ten Hag‘s squad as a fifth-choice centre-back, 36-year-old Evans has played 29 times this season and has, at points, been the club’s only fit defender.

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Evans signed for the club on a one-year contract that expires at the end of June, and there has been no movement on any form of extension, with the club putting almost all contract renewals on hold since INEOS took over the footballing operations at Old Trafford.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is confident that Jonny Evans will attract plenty of interest if Manchester United decide to release him following Saturday’s FA Cup final.

Evans has been included in next month’s international friendlies for Northern Ireland against Spain and Andorra, which suggests he has no intention of retiring at the end of this season.

O’Neill said: “I will have that conversation with Jonny in Spain about his international future. It may be determined by what happens at Manchester United.

“But you can’t tell what way these things will go. I think Jonny has done himself no harm this season, as he has been an important player for Manchester United in a difficult season, a team that has had a lot of challenges.

“There are a lot of managers out there that would love to have Jonny Evans at their club. You don’t know what opportunities will be presented to players. From my point of view, I want to see Jonny continue to play for club and country.”

O’Neill then revealed that he offered Evans the chance to sit out the upcoming trip to Spain, but the defender made it clear he wanted to be involved.

“Jonny has had to manage an injury throughout the season. He has put the team before himself at times this year, playing when maybe not 100 per cent,” he said.

“He now has the FA Cup Final to look forward to. I gave Jonny the choice to skip this, but he said he wanted to be involved, and I want to play.”