Manchester United already have substitutes lined up for the two departing defenders.
Jonny Evans recently made his return to training at Carrington, completing the traditional initiation known as “the tunnel” after spending four months on the sidelines.
He is expected to receive a warm send-off when he emerges from the Old Trafford tunnel next month for what will likely be his final match, facing Aston Villa. That game could mark the end of an exceptional 18-year playing career.
The 37-year-old is anticipated to leave Manchester United this summer, a move that would likely coincide with his retirement. He admitted that without a contract renewal last year, he would have called time on his career then. Evans’ resume includes three Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, and a Club World Cup with United. He also helped Northern Ireland qualify for a major international tournament for the first time in three decades and played a vital role in Leicester City’s historic FA Cup win in 2021.
However, his farewell might be cut short by a club official ushering him onto the team bus headed to the airport, as United prepare for a post-season tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong—a trip perceived as a financial obligation rather than a sporting necessity. Critics argue it would be harsh to include Evans, especially given that he’s not expected to feature competitively again. Despite this, players like Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen, who are also set to leave in June, may be required to travel.
Evans and Lindelof, both plagued by injuries, have had limited impact this season, featuring in just a handful of games. United only activated Lindelof’s contract extension due to initial plans to sell him, but no buyer came forward.
With a weak goal difference and only one striker who has scored a single goal in 28 appearances, United’s transfer activity under the Ineos ownership has been heavily skewed towards defensive signings. Of the seven players they brought in, only Joshua Zirkzee, who has just two goals, was an attacking addition.
Now, the focus is shifting to strengthening the attack. The club is pursuing a striker and a playmaker—Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha are on their radar. Although the defensive unit is well-stocked, especially with 13 defenders listed on the club’s official site, only one (Tyrell Malacia) is out on loan. His replacement, Patrick Dorgu, joined in January.
The team already has succession plans for Lindelof and Evans. Noussair Mazraoui, who has covered nearly every position on the pitch, is being repurposed as a central defender by manager Ruben Amorim. Mazraoui has been one of the team’s few standout performers and has effectively taken over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s role despite not being a natural attacker.
Mazraoui has been a consistent presence this season, playing in almost every league game, even undergoing a minor procedure due to heart palpitations in October. Still, United need a genuine winger to challenge Diogo Dalot, as Mazraoui doesn’t naturally fit that profile, despite showing potential in a draw with Arsenal.
Some argue the team is just trading one injury-prone defender for another. Luke Shaw hasn’t started a match since February 2024 and turns 30 soon. His contract, renewed in 2023, doesn’t include an extension clause, suggesting United are planning beyond him.
Amorim has mostly used Shaw as a substitute centre back this season, and younger players like Harry Amass and Dorgu are already being prioritized. Shaw missed the recent match against Wolves for rest, even though he had played 75 minutes against Lyon days earlier. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, who has featured more often and for longer at the club, came off the bench in that game.
Shaw has impressed in both four-man and three-man defences and might be crucial at the start of next season if Lisandro Martinez isn’t fully recovered from an ACL injury. With Maguire’s contract extended and the emergence of Tyler Fredricson, United’s centre-back options could total eight if everyone stays fit. Casemiro, if retained, could offer further cover.
But one thing is certain—he won’t still be playing for United at Evans’ age.
