"Great signing" - Tony Pulis backs Wrexham AFC to sign Man Utd star | OneFootball

Tony Pulis has urged Man Utd to keep Jonny Evans in some capacity after he was linked with a move to Wrexham.

Tony Pulis believes Jonny Evans would be an impressive signing for newly-promoted Wrexham, although he urged Man Utd to find a role for the defender in their academy.

The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford for his second spell in the summer of 2023, and whilst he was signed as backup, he has gone on to make over 40 appearances in that period, which included helping the side to win the FA Cup last season.

However, with his deal expiring this summer, Evans won’t be part of Ruben Amorim’s plans next season, so his future is up in the air.

Wrexham are considering move for Jonny Evans

It has been claimed that the Red Dragons are monitoring Evans, as they look to add some quality to their squad as they prepare for life in the second tier of English football.

Phil Parkinson’s side secured a historic third successive promotion this season, so bringing in someone with high-level experience would be a welcome boost to the Wrexham squad.

As well as coming through at United, Evans excelled in the top-flight for West Brom and Leicester, along with winning over 100 caps for Northern Ireland.

Tony Pulis urges Man Utd to retain Jonny Evans

Pulis knows Evans very well from his time at The Hawthorns, and speaking to OLBG, he stated that whilst signing the defender would be a coup for Wrexham, he believes that Man Utd should look to retain the player in some capacity.

“If I was Manchester United, I would keep Jonny and stick him in the academy as a coach. At West Brom, I don't think any of the lads will argue, he was by far the best player we had there.

“You could play him anywhere, could play him in midfield, could play him at full-back. I remember going to Palace one year and Wilfried Zaha was having it off and I pulled Jonny and said, I want you to play full-back today. He said that he couldn’t play full-back. But then he was the best player on the pitch. Zaha didn't have a kick. He was the best player.

“He suffered with injuries, but you always get cart horses like myself who played who would just plough on, never mind what was going on with you, whether you were injured or not, and then you've got real thoroughbred race horses.

“Jonny was the thoroughbred and everything had to be right for him to play. We managed to change him a little bit in the end and got him going through a little bit of pain.

“But as a footballer and as a player, both upstairs and his ability, he's absolutely first class and he's a very fit lad as well. So if Wrexham were going to do it, I'd be saying to them, great signing. But if I was Manchester United, I'd find a place in the academy for him.”

Ultimately, Evans will need to decide if he wants to carry on playing, and, if he does, whether his body is able to stand up to the demands of a Championship season.

Providing he is fit and ready to contribute, he would be a smart addition for Wrexham, who will benefit from having him around the dressing room, even if he doesn’t play week in, week out.

Yet, as Pulis says, it would make sense for United to try and keep him involved, as he offers a valuable link to the Sir Alex Ferguson days for the club, and he will no doubt set standards and show the professionalism that they will want from their academy graduates. So, it’s one to watch over the coming weeks.