Manchester United are awaiting decisions on two veteran players before the month comes to an end.
Last week Manchester United announced the club’s released and retained list, formally declaring the exits of a number of players.
These included Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams, but the announcement did not tell the entire story.
Decisions are still awaited over Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans, who are out of contract – and have been offered new deals.
Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton latest
Manchester United have ‘optimism’ new deals will be struck for Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton, according to The Athletic.
United see them both as valuable squad players, which is why they have offered contract extensions, reluctant to lose them for free.
Jonny Evans is 36-years-old and Tom Heaton is 38. The decision to offer the pair new contract extensions has raised some questions among supporters.
The case to keep Evans and Heaton
The desire to keep both players shows their value to the squad, and they would save United having to replace them.
A third choice goalkeeper is always of value, and a new goalkeeper would have to be signed to take Heaton’s place in the squad.
Alternatively, United could promote Radek Vitek, but another loan could be more valuable for the FA Youth Cup winner.
Evans had expected to play a similarly rarely-seen role last season as a fifth choice centre-back. Instead, due to an injury crisis, he found himself promoted into a more prominent role.
Raphael Varane is leaving and Victor Lindelof has just one year left on his deal and could be sold.
This would leave United needing to sign two centre-backs before signing a replacement for Evans.
Rolling a deal over for Evans wouldn’t be a bad idea. United should be luckier with injuries next season, enabling him to play less, but if he is required, he will do a job.
Based on this season’s performances, Evans will be fully deserving if he does land an extension.