Man Utd transfer stance on Jonny Evans explained as defender signs short-term deal

Manchester United are not ruling out a permanent move for Jonny Evans at this stage, after it was announced on Tuesday that the defender has signed a short-term deal with the club.

Evans, who came through the Red Devils’ youth system and played nearly 200 matches before departing in 2015, is currently without a club after his deal with Leicester City expired at the end of last season. The Northern Irish international was seen at Carrington last week and has been training with the under-21s in order to maintain his personal fitness levels.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the club confirmed that Evans had been included in the squad that will face Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday, and will travel with United on their US tour, albeit he will be part of the academy group that flies to San Diego rather than the senior squad that makes the journey to New York.

The short-term deal covers pre-season and will enable Evans to get back to full fitness, while United’s underage players will benefit from his experience and quality. The 35-year-old will also provide cover for injured defenders Tyrell Malacia and Rhys Bennett, who are set to miss the entirety of pre-season.

At this stage, Evans’ deal is being viewed on a game-to-game basis, but United are not ruling out the possibility of him signing a longer-term contract.

Meanwhile, Tom Heaton will remain at Carrington on Wednesday and train with the remainder of the squad. The experienced goalkeeper played in last week’s win over Leeds United but wasn’t named in the group that will face Lyon.

Dean Henderson was also omitted from the group that will play at Murrayfield, although he is expected to complete a permanent move to Nottingham Forest after Andre Onana’s arrival is confirmed. Alex Telles was also missing and is close to finalising a transfer away from the club, with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr reported.

Eric Bailly was another notable absentee from the Lyon squad, and the defender is free to leave United this summer. Anthony Martial was the final senior player missing, but the Frenchman is believed to be continuing his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered at the end of last season.

A full travelling squad to the US will be announced on Wednesday, with it unclear whether Henderson, Heaton or Martial will be involved. Meanwhile, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Antony, who missed the win over Leeds, were named in the group that will face Lyon in Edinburgh, and therefore are expected to fly to New York after the match.