Erik ten Hag explains ‘mutual benefits’ of completing Man Utd signing

Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United and Jonny Evans can ‘help each other’ after the defender signed a short-term deal with the club.

It was announced on Tuesday that Evans had re-joined his former club until the end of pre-season, to help cover the injuries to Rhys Bennett and Tyrell Malacia. Evans was included in the squad that travelled to Edinburgh to take on Lyon in a pre-season friendly and then will also fly out to the USA as part of the club’s summer tour.

Evans had been training with United prior to Tuesday’s announcement, in an effort to maintain his fitness levels following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City at the end of June. But asked why he opted to include Evans in the summer squad, Ten Hag explained it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for the player and club.

“I know him for a long time and I know his place is here, Manchester,” the Dutchman told MUTV, prior to the Lyon clash. “[I said] he could come to train with us and work on his fitness and then not all the players are in, the internationals were out still having their break.

“I thought it was a good idea to help each other. Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out. He is a very experienced player and a good person, a big personality. As a big authority he can help the young players in such moments. It benefits mutual sides.”

The centre-back came through the youth system at United and went on to play nearly 200 matches for the club before departing in 2015 to join West Bromwich Albion. While the signing at present is seen as short-term cover during the summer, United are monitoring his progression and have not ruled out offering the Northern Ireland international a permanent contract.