Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has explained why the Red Devils have offered experienced centre-back Jonny Evans a short-term contract this summer.
The 35-year-old has been training with Man United since his release from Leicester City, and he came off the bench during the team's pre-season clash with Lyon on Wednesday, playing the whole second half in Edinburgh.
Evans, who previously represented the Red Devils between 2004 and 2015, will travel with the squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, with the centre-back set to be involved for the academy side against Wrexham on July 25.
The club's plans for the Northern Ireland international after that point are unclear, but Ten Hag has said that the current agreement is 'beneficial for both sides'.
"I know him for a long time, so I know his place was here, in Manchester," Ten Hag told MUTV ahead of the clash with Lyon.
"He came to train with us, to work on his fitness, and when I said: yeah, not all the players are in - internationals are out, still having their break, so I thought it was a good idea to help each other out. Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out.
"The level, we know he is a really experienced player but also a very good person, a big personality, and I think he has big authority as well. He will help the young players especially. It is a benefit for both sides."
Ten Hag was then full of praise for Evans after the 1-0 win over Lyon, with Donny van de Beek scoring the only goal of the pre-season contest.
"I think it was a good mix between experience and young players," said Ten Hag. "Donny with experience, Fred a lot of experience, Jonny Evans even more experience.
"With that in the middle of the park then you see young lads can improve their game because they get coached. What they did very well was working on a certain way of playing they transferred to the pitch."
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka again all started at the back, while Mason Mount, Antony and Jadon Sancho were also in the XI.
The bulk of Man United's first-team players remained back at Carrington to continue their training ahead of the team's pre-season tour of the United States.
The Red Devils are on the verge of completing their second signing of the summer, with Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana preparing to sign a five-year contract after terms were agreed with Inter Milan.
Man United also continue to be heavily linked with Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund, and discussions with Atalanta BC over a deal for the centre-forward are thought to be advancing. body check tags ::
