Int’l manager says United star has played through injury all season to ‘put the team before himself’

Manchester United’s debilitating, season-long injury crisis has taken almost every single player victim at some stage.

As such, it’s led to some members of the squad having to play through fitness issues to ensure that Erik ten Hag can field a senior 11; Bruno Fernandes sustained a broken hand in the FA Cup semi-final yet featured for the full 90 in the subsequent win over Sheffield United, while Harry Maguire – prior to his current layoff – was spotted nursing an injury concern numerous times on the pitch in his previous outings.

Now, Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neil has revealed that Jonny Evans struggled with ongoing complaints throughout the season but soldiered on to aid the team.

After calling the veteran up for his nation’s friendlies against Spain and Andorra in June, O’Neil said (via Manchester World): “Jonny has had to manage an injury throughout the season. He has put the team before himself at times this year, playing when maybe not 100 per cent. He now has the FA Cup Final to look forward to. I gave Jonny the choice to skip this, but he said he wanted to be involved and I want to play.”

Evans’ surprise Old Trafford return

Evans, 36, re-signed for the Reds last summer on a one-year deal after spending pre-season with his former club, having just been released from then-relegated Leicester City.

When his arrival was announced, fans didn’t expect to see anywhere near as much of him in action as they have done. United’s centre-halves being frequently unavailable resulted in Evans making 29 appearances in all competitions, 17 of which came from the offset.

It remains to be seen where his future lies beyond this term, but he’ll undoubtedly be thanked by club chiefs for his hugely beneficial efforts in 2023/2024.