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This season United has been plagued with injuries, with their defence being the most hit in the squad, having big-name players side lined throughout their campaign.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have both been ruled out for most of the season with muscle injuries and knee injuries respectively, leaving United without their first or second choice left backs.
In the centre of the back four, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were also regular names on the injuries list, leaving Erik ten Hag desperate, having to rely on players like Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat to cover the gaps in defence.
Now the season is over, with player’s out on international duty, including getting prepped for the European Championships in Germany this month, the risk of injury for United players isn’t over just yet.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what’s happened for one of United’s retained defenders.
Northern Ireland captain Jonny Evans has been ruled out of their upcoming friendly with Andorra, with the defender not travelling with the team from Mallorca back to their training camp in mainland Spain.
The Irish FA have reported that Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s head coach expressed that Evans has experienced some niggles throughout the season and was not feeling it as realistic to expect him to play again after his full 90 minute performance against Spain on Saturday.
The match against Spain saw Northern Ireland get defeated 5-1 at the hands of a brace from Pedri, with Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal also getting on the scoresheet.
The 36-year-old has represented his national team 104 times since his international debut in 2006.
The graduate of the United academy has had a truly decorated career across the two stints at his boyhood club, having won the Champions League in 2007/08, the Premier League and English League Cup three times each, the English League cup twice and this year’s FA Cup.
With the centre-back’s contract set to expire this month, it’s unsure at this time if any negotiations are taking place to keep him at Old Trafford following his 30 appearances this season across all competitions, or if Evans will be departing for a second time.
