Erik Ten Hag has stated that he wants Jonny Evans to stay at Manchester United, as uncertainty over the future of Harry Maguire rumbles on.
Evans signed a one-month deal at his former club earlier this summer, allowing him to partake in their tour of the United States, as well as in friendlies against Lens in Manchester and Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.
An experienced campaigner, the 35-year-old Evans made almost 200 appearances for Man United before departing in 2015, and if Ten Hag has his way, the Northern Ireland veteran could add to that tally over the coming season.
At his Friday press conference, the Red Devils manager was asked if Evans' future is dependant on that of Maguire, whose proposed move to West Ham collapsed earlier this week.
Erik Ten Hag provides Jonny Evans update
"No it does not affect it," said the Dutchman. "We will see. We are in talks and when we have news we will bring it as always.
"For this month he [Evans] is under contract but we are talking. Of course (we want him to stay), otherwise we would not be talking."
While that would seem like a vote of confidence towards Evans, it is less so towards Maguire, who may drop to being fifth-choice centre-back if both players stay at Old Trafford this season.
While that situation wouldn't be ideal for a man who hopes to start for England at Euro 2024, Ten Hag added that Maguire may still play a part over the course of a long season, as long as the former club captain is willing to fight for his place.
6 August 2023; Jadon Sancho, right, and Jonny Evans of Manchester United with supporters after the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Ten Hag on Harry Maguire
"Harry is a player for us, and I’m happy he is here,’ he said. "We need a good squad and we have four good centre-halves. Including Luke Shaw, we have five and we need it because we are going to play 50 to 60 games this season.
"All the players are internationals, so we have a very heavy load to cover and I am happy Harry Maguire is here.
"He has to fight for his position, as everyone in the squad has to, because we have constructed a squad with two players for every position and we need it.
"It's up to him. He knows what to expect from me. I’ve been here now for one year and you know what I expect from a centre-half.
‘He can do it, I've told you many times before he has the abilities to do it, so now he has to show it. It is then about character, to be convinced to play that role. He has all the abilities to do it and it is up to him when the time is there."
If Evans is tied down for the season, he is sure to add to a growing winning mentality in the United dressing room, as he would be the only player in there with experience of playing in the trophy-laden Alex Ferguson era.
