Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag keen to keep Jonny Evans at Old Trafford

The 35-year-old signed a contract that covered United’s pre-season schedule and runs until the end of August, but after impressing the coaching staff in training, ten Hag is keen to make that deal a longer term one.

Evans, who had been linked with a summer move to Everton, made a shock return to his former club in July and played in friendlies against Lyon, Wrexham, Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao but wasn’t involved in the matchday squad for their opening Premier League victory over Wolves on Monday.

“We are in talks,” confirmed the Dutchman. “For this month he is under contract but we are talking (about extending it).”

When asked whether he wanted Evans to stay, Ten Hag added: “Of course, otherwise we would not be talking.”

Rumours have been swirling for most of the summer about Harry Maguire’s departure from Manchester United with a proposed move to West Ham United falling through.

Ten Hag says Evans’ future is unconnected to any potential transfer for the former Red Devils captain and will be more than happy if he stays beyond this window.

“Harry is a player for us,” he added. “I am happy he is here, we need a good squad, we have four good centre halves - including Luke Shaw we have five - and we need it because we are going to play 50-60 games this season, all the players are internationals, so we have a very heavy load to cover so I am happy Harry Maguire is here.

“I’ve been here now for one year and you know what I expect from a centre half.

"And he can do it, I’ve told you many times before he has the abilities to do it so now he has to show it. It is then about character, to be convinced to play that role, he has all the abilities to do it and it is up to him when the time [opportunity] is there.”

This week, United issued a club statement regarding the internal investigation into Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended by United since January 30, 2022.

Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six months ago that the case had been discontinued.

Following reports that United are preparing to bring the academy graduate back into the first-team set-up, the club statement said no decision had yet been made.

The issue has divided a number of fans, with some protests against Greenwood’s potential return seen at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Ten Hag said the issue was not affecting him or his team with the season now under way.

“We focus on the way of playing, we focus on the team performance,” he said. “It is about the players who are available so we focus on Tottenham.

"Every start to the season is difficult.

“We know the performance (against Wolves) was not what we hoped but we won. We showed the character and the personality.”