Man United sign Jonny Evans on shock short-term deal to add to centre back options in pre-season… with Harry Maguire not back yet and linked with a move after losing captaincy

Manchester United have re-signed Jonny Evans on a short-term contract.

The Northern Ireland defender, who came through the academy system at United, has been training with the club’s Under-21s following his departure from Leicester as a free agent this summer.

Evans, 35, will play in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Lyon at Murrayfield when a number of United’s international stars will be unavailable, and for a youth side against Wrexham in San Diego on the club’s four-match tour of the US. 

Defenders Tyrell Malacia and Rhys Bennett have been ruled out of the five games through injury.

Evans has also taken part in a number of first-team training sessions and impressed manager Erik ten Hag. 

Centre back Jonny Evans has rejoined Manchester United on a short-term contract

United confirmed the shock news on social media on Tuesday afternoon

Evans is considering his long-term options after leaving Leicester last month

The short-term contract only covers pre-season and it remains to be seen if the former West Brom defender could make a permanent return to United, particularly if Harry Maguire leaves the club after losing the captaincy.

A United statement read: ‘Experienced defender Jonny Evans has signed a short-term deal to enable him to take part in Manchester United’s upcoming pre-season games in Edinburgh and San Diego.

‘The academy graduate had been training with the Under-21s whilst considering his options, following his departure from Leicester City at the end of last season.

‘As part of the academy training programme, he has also taken part in a number of first-team sessions and impressed Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff.

‘Evans, who has been capped 102 times by Northern Ireland, will travel to Edinburgh as part of the group to face Lyon on Wednesday.

‘Jonny will then join up with the academy group that will travel to San Diego, while the first-team squad are in New York.

‘The centre-back played 198 games for the first team before departing the club in 2015, having won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, three Premier League titles and two League Cups.’

Evans won the Premier League three times during his first spell at United

Evans’ chances of a permanent return could be boosted if Harry Maguire leaves the club