Man Utd defender makes admission about playing time following deadline-day transfer

Jonny Evans has admitted he is not expecting to play regularly for Manchester United, after returning to the club.

Evans left United in 2015 when he joined West Bromwich Albion, but signed for the Red Devils on a free transfer last week, when he penned a new deal on transfer deadline day that runs to June next year. The 35-year-old came on in the latter stages of the 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, but with Evans fifth choice centre-back in Erik ten Hag’s squad, he understands he won’t be involved in the side every weekend.

“I want to contribute to the team as much as I can,” Evans explained, in his first interview with the club since returning. “It’s hard to think differently, obviously you know when you become more experienced, your role changes. I know I’m not going to play as much or be a starter as soon as I come into the club or the squad.

“I think my mentality and mindset will have to change a bit in that sense. But throughout my career I have always wanted to compete and that will be no different. I feel like I can make a contribution to the squad and the club, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

“[I want] to give as much to the team and the club when I can, and be ready when I’m needed,” he added. “A lot of professionalism has to go into that. It’s a different challenge for me to know that I’m mentally and physically ready for those game. That’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Evans also revealed his support for United, his boyhood club, hasn’t wavered in his eight years away from Old Trafford, and even admitted he attended Wembley as a fan for last season’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.

“I’ve been a Man United fan since I can remember, and I was still able to come to some of the games, you never lose that. And I experienced that when I went to other clubs,” the Northern Irishman said.

“Players always have their teams that they grew up supporting when they were a kid and Man United was it for me. There were still big connections with the club, with my wife obviously working for MUTV and working for the club in different parts, so there's always been that connection for me.

“And even while I was away, I was able to come back and watch some games. I got to both cup finals last year and the club looked after me. So, it was great to go and watch those games and see the club win the League Cup, which was a great experience.”