Whilst Manchester United are out of the race to finish inside the Premier League's top four, they must still secure a Europa League place before the end of the campaign to salvage something from their up-and-down league season – and the return of a central defender for Erik ten Hag should play a part in achieving that.
Man Utd injury news
Injuries certainly haven't helped Manchester United's season, which is set to end in ultimate failure barring an FA Cup final upset against rivals Manchester City, and Ten Hag has felt the full force of missing certain players. The Dutchman's biggest blow has come at the back, with Casemiro forced to step into the central defensive role and away from his usual midfield position to sum up the Red Devils' struggles.
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Now into the final three games of the Premier League season, however, Ten Hag can finally put an end to that experiment and reintroduce some familiar faces in front of Andre Onana. Among those will be Jonny Evans, who Ten Hag confirmed is back in training ahead of his side's clash against an in-form Crystal Palace side on Monday.
The former Ajax manager said via Manchester Evening News: “Jonny returned today in the team training and tomorrow, we will see if it is enough before the two days before the game.”
The veteran defender is among a handful of players facing a late fitness test ahead of the Palace game, with Ten Hag facing a worrying wait when it comes to the availability of several stars.
Tyrell Malacia
03/06/2024
Lisandro Martinez
12/05/2024
Raphael Varane
12/05/2024
Luke Shaw
12/05/2024
Marcus Rashford
12/05/2024
Anthony Martial
12/05/2024
Victor Lindelof
12/05/2024
Jonny Evans
06/05/2024
Scott McTominay
06/05/2024
Bruno Fernandes
06/05/2024
Willy Kambwala
No Return Date
So, whilst Evans is set to return, United could still be forced to field a weakened side up against a Palace side who are beginning to find their best form under new boss Oliver Glasner.
Return of "fantastic" Evans should boost Man Utd
The return of any central defender would have helped United at this stage, such is their current shortage, but the added experience of Evans certainly helps, especially as the FA Cup final nears. Not many would have said that at the start of the season, but the fact that 36-year-old Evans has been thrust into a reliable role is more of a spotlight on United's failed recruitment rather than on a player who has faced a tough battle to gain a place.
Nonetheless, it is a chance that came the way of Evans and it is one that he has unexpectedly taken hold of to earn praise from the likes of Manchester United legend and former teammate Wayne Rooney, who believed like many that he would be defensive cover and nothing more.
Rooney said via the Daily Mail when news of Evans' arrival emerged last summer: "I’ve literally just seen it. Dripped through before coming in. Yeah, I think Jonny is a fantastic player. Obviously, he’s had his injuries over the last couple of years but I haven’t seen any details of it. I’m assuming he’s signed as cover and [in case] there are any injuries to the centre-backs that are starting."