Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been told that he should give Jonny Evans a contract for next season after the club decided against retaining Raphael Varane

Manchester United should hand Jonny Evans a new contract after releasing Raphael Varane, according to his former international team-mate.

The Red Devils and Varane, 32, confirmed earlier this week that the former Real Madrid defender would leave the club as a free agent this summer. The decision was made after United declined to trigger a one-year option in the veteran's contract.

Varane has shown his class since joining from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 but has had injury issues. Nonetheless, his exit leaves United short on options in defence.

It's been speculated that further changes could be made in that area. Evans is also out of contract but Stuart Dallas, who played alongside the defender for Northern Ireland, believes he has more than earned a new deal.

Evans signed a one-year deal last summer after impressing during pre-season and has gone on to make 28 appearances in all competitions for United.

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Evans is out of contract in the summer ( Image:

United have been linked with a number of central defenders over recent months. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be a primary target after impressing in the Premier League this season and a sale may appeal to the Toffee's given their financial situation. A price tag of PS55million has been mooted for the highly-rated 21-year-old.

Elsewhere, OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is another player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Tosin Adarabioyo, who is out of contract at Fulham, has also been mentioned as a summer target for the Red Devils.

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