Erik ten Hag confirms he wants Jonny Evans to remain at Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that the club are in discussions with Jonny Evans over a new contract which could see the defender stay for the 2023-24 campaign.

Following his release from Leicester City at the end of June, the Northern Ireland international began pre-season training at Man United, and he then signed a short-term deal with the Red Devils in order to feature in their friendlies against Lyon and Wrexham.

Evans was kept on after the Wrexham game in the United States, with the 35-year-old featuring against Borussia Dortmund in the final match of the club's pre-season tour, before playing against Athletic Bilbao in the team's last friendly of the summer.

Harry Maguire is now set to stay at Man United, with the Englishman one of four senior centre-backs at the club alongside Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

However, there have been suggestions that Evans could be handed a deal until next June, and Ten Hag has said that he wants to keep the experienced defender at Old Trafford.

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"The [answer to the] last [question is], no. No, it doesn't affect that (Maguire's situation). We will see. We are in talks and when we have news, we will bring that as always," said the manager during his press conference to preview Saturday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

"In this moment, [he's] not [under contract]. I have to say, it's a short [deal] for [last] month [July], he's under contract. But we are talking."

When asked whether he wanted Evans to stay, Ten Hag said: "Yeah. Otherwise, we would not talk."

Evans, who has been capped on 102 occasions by Northern Ireland, came through the youth system at Man United before making his first-team debut in 2006.

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The defender went on to make 198 appearances for the Red Devils, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups, four Community Shields and the Club World Cup.

Evans then represented West Bromwich Albion for three years ahead of a move to Leicester, turning out on 152 appearances for the Foxes, winning the FA Cup in the process.

The defender was restricted to just 13 Premier League appearances last season, though, having struggled with a number of fitness problems.

Evans is thought to have made a huge impression on Ten Hag and his coaching staff during his time at the club, with his leadership and experience believed to have seen him emerge as a genuine potential signing.