has decided to bump up from the U21s to the first-team squad for the rest of their tour.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman has impressed the Dutchman – with some stellar performances in the USA.
Evans’ contract is only valid until the start of the 2023-24 campaign, meaning Ten Hag still must make a call on whether or not to keep him on for the new season.
by goalkeeper Ben Foster after impressing in United’s friendly against the Welsh club – while Ten Hag has lauded Evans for his showing against Lyon and his influence on the club’s youngsters.
‘I think he [Evans] helped us, as you said, [with] younger players, but also for numbers here,’ Ten Hag said about Evans.
‘Not all the internationals were in and we had to manage the load from the players so that was really useful.
‘Jonny wants to stay fit, he still wants a career. Last week I think he played a very good game against Lyon and you could see how he was mentoring the younger players and I think he was pushing the younger players to a higher level and that can be really helpful.’
Evans was released by this summer following their shock relegation from the last season.
He came through United’s academy and made 198 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2015 before moving to West Brom and then Leicester, where he has spent last five years before making his return as a Red Devil.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has also decided to promote 19-year-old centre-forward Joe Hugill to the first team for the remainder of United’s tour of the United States.
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