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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Erik ten Hag explains why Jonny Evans will stay at Manchester United longer than first planned

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Jonny Evans will remain part of the Manchester United squad on a pre-season tour in the United States.

The Northern Irish made a shock return to the club he first left in 2015 on a short-term contract earlier this month.

Evans was initially offered the chance to play against Lyon in Edinburgh and again pulled on the club’s colours for the loss to Wrexham in San Diego.

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While the 35-year-old did not play in the defeat to Real Madrid, Evans has been kept on alongside striker Jordan Hugill for the rest of their time in America.

United will next meet Borussia Dortmund at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during the early hours of Monday morning (UK time) before hosting Lens at Old Trafford and travelling to Dublin to meet Athletic Bilbao.

“We need the numbers in the coming days in training,” said the Dutchman.

“As you see, Fred is not here and also [Anthony] Elanga went back. We need the numbers for proper training to hit our targets and that’s the reason they are here.”

Ten Hag’s side have reportedly now seen a verbal offer rejected for forward Rasmus Hojlund rejected by Atalanta as they continue to chase a new striker.

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