With Ineos looking to reduce the wage bill, trim the fat and lower the age of the Manchester United squad, speculation continues to swirl about the futures of Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and more.
But what does the future hold for another Manchester United veteran? A man who, even in his mid-to-late-30s, is proving that age is bit a number.
Reports emerging over the last few days have suggested that one of Erik ten Hag’s most consistent performers could not only leave Old Trafford this summer, but leave professional football for good.
And, OK, Jonny Evans is not getting any younger at the age of 36. But after playing far more – and far better – than anyone would have imagined when he re-joined the Red Devils on an initial short-term deal last summer, it would feel like a waste if Evans was to hang up his boots when he still has so much left to offer. Not just for his club but for his country too.
Jonny Evans future unclear
“I’ve just heard about (those retirement rumours),” Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill says ahead of tonight’s friendly with Scotland (Belfast Telegraph). “I don’t really give any credibility to that.
“Whatever decision Jonny makes, I know he will tell me himself directly. So it’s not something I would like to make a comment on because it seems to be just speculation.
“I’ll obviously try and talk him out of that scenario (retiring should he wish to do so),” the former Stoke City boss adds, via the BBC. “But we’ll obviously respect whatever decision Jonny makes.”
There is certainly a place for Evans even in a bold new era at Old Trafford. Evans has proven more reliable – in terms of fitness – than many of Ten Hag’s other centre-halves, and remains a valuable presence in the dressing room.
His vast experience could come in very handy should United, as expected, prioritise young, up-and-coming talents such as Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
‘A great player’
“He has been a great player for me,” O’Neil explains. “He’s been a great player for Northern Ireland. (And) I think he’s still got a few miles in the tank yet.
“He brings a lot. He’s not going to go out every week and play in the Premier League. But at a club like Manchester United, where there is European competitions and cup football, I think he’s more than a useful player to keep around.”
Ten Hag has spoken in similarly glowing terms about a man who has stepped up quite remarkably in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and co, despite being ruled out of that Liverpool thriller.
The former Leicester City and West Brom stopper was superb in the 2-0 win over Everton last time out in the Premier League.