Erik ten Hag has guaranteed that if the 24-year-old persists in delivering subpar performances, he will be demoted to the bench.

Manchester United’s inconsistent form persisted with another defeat, this time against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, leading to scrutiny of manager Erik ten Hag’s peculiar selection decisions.

The midfield imbalance significantly undermined United’s chances in the second half, prompting the Dutchman to reflect on various aspects in the days ahead. Amid the considerations, the future of several players with contracts expiring next summer has come into focus.

Recent reports indicate that the club has chosen to exercise the one-year extension option in Victor Lindelof’s contract. However, the unexpected standout performer of the season has been Jonny Evans, an acquisition that may not have initially captured the fans’ imagination.

Despite being 35 years old, Evans has proven to be an underrated signing, showcasing his excellence in the comeback victory against Aston Villa and providing a rare bright spot in a season marked by defensive errors. While the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire remain uncertain, the club is reportedly planning to recruit another top-class center-back in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Given Evans’ experience and winning pedigree, extending his contract would be a prudent move, especially as a reliable backup option. Although Evans signed a one-year deal in the summer, reports suggest that Ten Hag is poised to recommend to the club to offer the veteran defender another one-year deal.

In a shift from previous transfer decisions, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will soon become the club’s biggest individual stakeholder through INEOS, will have the final say on every transfer-related matter. The decision to potentially extend Evans’ contract is expected to test Ten Hag’s influence within the club.

Retaining Evans could be a wise choice regardless of other defensive signings, as the player is known for his professionalism, acceptance of a backup role, and lack of disruptions. As Manchester United navigates challenges on the field, securing Evans’ experience and reliability may contribute to a more stable defensive setup in the seasons to come.