Jonny Evans: Man Utd personnel were stunned when Louis van Gaal sold ace - report

MANCHESTER UNITED personnel were shocked when Louis van Gaal sold Jonny Evans to West Brom in 2015, reports claim.

Jonny Evans papiss cisse spit

Evans was sold by Manchester United after Van Gaal deemed him surplus to requirements two years ago.

But, 24 months down the line, the West Brom defender is being tracked Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola wants Evans to sure up his leaky back line this season, as he aims to win the Premier League at the second time of asking.

And the Daily Mail claim that certain people at United were stunned when Van Gaal opted to cut him loose - and not just because he was a good character off the pitch. 

It is said that many people thought he was a likeable person to have around, and the fact he had come through the academy made him a prized asset.

United viewed him as a Mr Dependable, and a player who boasted strength, pace and leadership at the back.

And it was for those reasons that many were flabbergasted at Van Gaal’s deicison. 

The Daily Mail add that his move to City also may depend on whether he has the character to play for his former club’s fierce rivals.

It cites the way supporters were livid after Peter Schmeichel joined Kevin Keegan’s side back in 2002 as a reason for Evans harbouring doubts about a move to the Etihad. 

Speaking back in March, the 29-year-old said he thought Van Gaal would sell him with the club having Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo in their ranks at the time of his departure.

“There were a lot of decisions at the end with United that were made quite quickly,” he told the Telegraph. 

Manchester United Jonny Evans Manchester City West BromGETTY

Manchester United players were stunned when Jonny Evans joined West Brom

Manchester United Jonny Evans Manchester City West BromGETTY

Louis van Gaal flogged Jonny Evans to West Brom

“I’m not saying that on behalf of myself, but I was surprised that Michael Keane was sold at the time. Having been in his position myself and come through United’s academy, I was surprised at that one.

“Me, on the other hand, that wasn’t a surprise. I could see the signs. I felt like it was the time for that to happen. 

“There was no problem. I was looking forward to a new challenge because I knew that once I got playing again, I could really push on.

“I don’t think I would have ever left the club if I’d had that feeling of ‘What if?’. You had Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, two young England centre-backs, Marcos Rojo had come in as a new signing. 

“They were younger than me and if there was anyone that was going to move on … I’m not saying that I was playing the worst at the time and they were playing so far ahead, but they were playing more games than me.”

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