Erik ten Hag explains decision to hand 35 year old player a Manchester United contract

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes Jonny Evans can have a big impact on Manchester United’s younger players after deciding to hand the 35-year-old a short-term deal.

Asked to explain the decision to involve Evans against Lyon, Ten Hag told MUTV: “Of course I know [about] him for a long time, I know his place was here, was in Manchester.

“We welcomed him to come and train with us, to work on his fitness, and then I said not all the players are in, the internationals were out still on their break.

“So I thought it was a good idea to help each other out. Jonny can work on his fitness, and he can help us out with [our] level.

“We know he’s a very experienced player but also a very good person, big personality, and I think he has a big authority as well and he can help the young players especially in such moments. So it benefits all sides.”