The return of Jonny Evans to Manchester United is one of the summer transfer window's most surprising stories thus far.
Evans left United in 2015 after 11 years associated with the club, when he fell out of favour with Dutch coach Louis van Gaal. The Northern Irish centre back would eventually be apppointed as captain of West Brom in 2017, before a move to Leicester City in 2018 - where he would also be appointed captain last season.
Leicester's campaign in 2022-23 ultimately ended in relegation and, with Evans' contract expired, he was released and begin the search for a new club.
Unexpectedly, an opportunity opened up at Manchester United for Evans to continue training in the hope of building up fitness. Evans was then handed a short-term contract to play in United's pre-season friendlies, and featured when the side came to Dublin to face Athletic Bilbao in early August.
6 August 2023; Jonny Evans of Manchester United during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
The latest injury news from Old Trafford could be good news for Evans and his efforts to secure a full-time contract with the club.
READ HERE: Jonny Evans On How Roy Keane Turned Up At His Front Door To Sign Him
Manchester United could be set to sign Jonny Evans on a permanent deal
Raphael Varane has been in strong form for Manchester United this season, but the Frenchman has suffered yet another injury issue.
The 2018 World Cup winner was forced off at half-time against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and now seems set to be laid off for several weeks.
With the rumours of Harry Maguire departing for West Ham United having picked up once again in recent days, Varane's injury leaves Manchester United sorely lacking depth in the centre of defence.
Lisandro Martinez is back to full fitness and Lisandro Martinez has been in strong form recently, but the squad is thin aside from that pair. Left-back Luke Shaw has deputised at centre-back on occasion, but his recent injury issue now looks far more serious than initially feared, and may keep him out for a matter of months.
Reports early this week already suggested that Jonny Evans was on the verge of signing a one-year deal with Manchester United and, if that was not the case, it may now be the case with the issues that have befallen so many of the club's defenders.
Evans may not be the centre-back most United fans would have expected to sign at the outset of the window, but he does bring undeniable experience, and he has reportedly impressed Erik ten Hag throughout his time with the club in pre-season.
Should he sign a permanent deal, Evans would likely become the first player from the island of Ireland to play a competitive game for Manchester United since Paddy McNair in 2016.
SEE ALSO: Ex-Ireland Player Thinks Lack Of Support For Vera Pauw 'Says It All'
