Manager says Manchester United veteran has been playing despite fitness issue as transfer wish revealed

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill thinks Jonny Evans will have no problem finding a new club if he is released by Manchester United this summer and says the defender has been managing an injury all season.

Evans, 36, was only signed as a back-up option last year, but has ended up becoming a key member of the first-team squad, making 29 appearances across all competitions.

The veteran centre-back has rolled back the years with some impressive defensive displays and has also been included in the Northern Ireland squad for next month’s international friendlies with Spain and Andorra. His international involvement suggests Evans does not appear to be close to retiring, though it remains to be seen if he will be offered a new contract at Old Trafford.

O’Neill has been impressed with the performances of Evans this season and even if he ends up leaving United, his international manager doesn’t believe he will have any trouble earning a contract elsewhere. “I will have that conversation with Jonny in Spain about his international future,” the Northern Ireland manager told reporters. “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 says he offered Evans the opportunity to miss the friendly with Spain, but the experienced centre-back was eager to be involved for his country, having already played through fitness issues throughout the season.

He added: “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 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.”