CASH-STRAPPED Manchester United have re-signed Jonny Evans for another year.
Evans, 36, returned to the Red Devils on a one-year contract last season.
The veteran was originally only meant to serve as a last ditch back up to other stars in the team.
However, with Erik ten Hag‘s side enduring a crippling injury defensive crisis, Evans ended up being one of the most-used defenders in the team with 30 appearances in all competitions.
This included an appearance off the bench in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.
Evans generally performed well when called upon, and that, combined with the Red Devils operating with a cash balance of just £50million for transfers, has seen Man Utd reward him with a new deal.
A club announcement confirmed his return with a new deal signed to summer 2025.
It said: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that Jonny Evans has signed a new one-year contract with the club, keeping him here until June 2025.
“The Academy graduate returned to Old Trafford last summer, after eight years away with West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City.
“Evans made a valuable contribution to Erik ten Hag’s side throughout last season, playing 30 times across all competitions, including a substitute appearance at Wembley as we beat Manchester City to win the Emirates FA Cup.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
New defensive signings are expected to arrive at the club this summer.
Matthijs de Ligt is said to be close to completing a transfer from Bayern Munich, while the Red Devils continue to pursue Leny Yoro and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Meanwhile, Man Utd allowed Raphael Varane to leave upon the expiry of his contract, while both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are linked with moves away during the window.
On his return, Northern Irishman Evans said: “I am delighted to have extended my contract at Manchester United for another season.
“To play for this great club and feel the support from our incredible fans is always a privilege.
“Returning to the club last season was an honour; representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic team-mates under an excellent manager.
“Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience; I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead.”
Yesterday, Man Utd also announced that Donny van de Beek had sealed a move away to Girona for just under £500,000, potentially rising to £7.6m – a mere fraction of the £40m the club paid for the Dutchman back in 2020.
In the meantime, compatriot Joshua Zirkzee has landed in Manchester to undergo his medical before completing a big-money transfer from Bologna.
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
