Manchester United get shot of Jonny Evans to Everton
Manchester United are to sell Jonny Evans to Everton. Why Everton want Evans is debatable. The Manchester Evening News says Evans “helped Carlton Cole resemble Pele and was bullied by the might of MK Dons.”
Of course, the Northern Irishman who graduated from United’s academy is a good player. The problem is that he’s not much of a defender.
Talks have been ongoing since the end of last season, when Evans was told he could leave Old Trafford. United want £10 million for Evans now in the final year of his contract.
The Times says the fee will be closer £6 million.
The Guardian says Manchester United have agreed the deal at £8m. The Daily Mail says the fee is £7 million.
The media is pretty consistent with the fee. But it was only a year ago when The Express told is readers: “Jonny Evans has emerged as a strong contender to be named Manchester United’s next captain.”
The Guardian added:
Jonny Evans has emerged as a rival to Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie for the Manchester United captaincy, with the manager, Louis van Gaal, an admirer of the defender’s maturity and presence.
The Times noted:
Van Gaal wants to sign one, possibly two more centre halves but Evans’s attitude, distribution and ability to use both feet have impressed the Dutchman and put him ahead of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in the pecking order.
Not for long. In 2015, shaky Smalling and clunky Jones signed new United contracts.
What happened? Well, Evans was banned for six games for spitting at Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse. The FA called him “disgusting“. But, then again, he also adapted pretty well to Van Gaal’s long ball tactics.
The crux is that Van Gaal is under pressure to deliver. He has no time for sentiment when his reputation for winning is on the line. So Evans is out.
Posted: 17th, July 2015 | In: manchester united, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
