I'd probably have quit without new Man Utd deal - Evans

Manchester United's Jonny Evans featured against Arsenal in their pre-season match in Los Angeles

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has said he probably would have retired from football if he had not signed a contract extension with the club.

It was 12 July before United confirmed Evans had signed a new one-year deal, after returning to his first professional club in 2023 following the expiry of his contract with Leicester.

The 36-year-old said there was no doubt in his mind he would eventually sign the new contract.

But, after spending eight years travelling to the Midlands from his home in the north-west - first to play for West Brom, then Leicester - Evans had no interest in moving clubs again.

"The fine details meant it took a bit longer than expected but I knew I wasn't going anywhere else," he said. "It was either stay here or probably retire.

"I was glad another season came available and the club wanted me to stay. I had a great time last season and I want to continue that."

Despite signing as a back-up, Evans ended up making 30 appearances last season as injuries decimated Erik ten Hag’s squad.

He also collected another FA Cup winner's medal after replacing Lisandro Martinez for the final 17 minutes of the Wembley victory over Manchester City in May.

Evans accepts he will be in a similar position again, and the injuries sustained by striker Rasmus Hojlund and 18-year-old defensive recruit Leny Yoro in the 2-1 pre-season defeat by Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday do not bode well for the new Premier League campaign, which starts on 16 August.

"You don't want any injuries, especially in pre-season. That is one of the biggest things to try and avoid," said Evans.

"Muscle injuries aren’t good and Rasmus hinted it was his hamstring. I am not sure about Leny yet. Hopefully it’s not too bad."

Evans featured in the second-half against Arsenal, and with Lisandro Martinez still on his summer break after lifting Copa America with Argentina and Victor Lindelof not involved due to a minor "niggle", the veteran Northern Ireland star is likely to have a significant role in Wednesday's match against La Liga outfit Real Betis in San Diego.

No stranger to injuries himself, Evans is confident his body can stand up to the rigours of another 10-month domestic campaign.

"I feel good and sharp this pre-season," he said. "I don't feel like I have dropped off too much and actually feel I have come back with a spring in my step.

"I just want to make sure I get my fitness. Last year I ended up playing 30 games so I was able to keep the fitness up quite easily.

"But I know if I am not playing for a while, I have to make sure I keep fit because if I come in for matches, I have got to be ready."