Jonny Evans starts on the bench for Man United against Lyon

Jonny Evans will make his second debut for Manchester United from the bench during the club’s second pre-season fixture against Ligue 1 side Lyon at Murrayfield on Wednesday.  

The 35-year-old Northern Ireland defender rejoined his former club on a short-term contract on Tuesday in a shock move that saw Erik ten Hag bolster his defensive options ahead of the remainder of their pre-season friendlies. 

Evans, who is a free agent after leaving Leicester City this summer, made his last appearance for Man United eight years ago, but is said to have impressed his new manager in some first-team sessions. 

Should Evans impress during United’s pre-season ties against Lyon and Wrexham, as well as with the academy squad in their training in San Diego, the former West Bromwich Albion defender could yet be handed a longer-term deal, particularly if Harry Maguire leaves after being stripped of his captaincy. 

A United statement on Tuesday read: ‘Experienced defender Jonny Evans has signed a short-term deal to enable him to take part in Manchester United’s upcoming pre-season games in Edinburgh and San Diego.

Jonny Evans (centre) will make his second debut for Manchester United from the bench

The 35-year-old former Leicester player has been drafted in for defensive cover, as ex-captain Harry Maguire is left out of the matchday squad for the second time (right)

Mason Mount will start in red for the second time after a fine club debut in Oslo against Leeds

‘The academy graduate had been training with the Under-21s whilst considering his options, following his departure from Leicester City at the end of last season.

‘As part of the academy training programme, he has also taken part in a number of first-team sessions and impressed Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff.’  

Starting ahead of him are defenders including Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Raphael Varane, who wears the captain’s armband. 

The club’s newest £60million signing Mason Mount will start again after a fine debut against Leeds in their pre-season opener in Oslo, as part of an attack featuring Antony, Amad Diallo, and Jadon Sancho. 

Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal retain their places in the starting XI after similarly strong performances in the 2-0 victory over Daniel Farke’s relegated side in Norway, but goalkeeper Tom Heaton fails to start ahead of Matej Kovar. 

Youth defensive prospect Alvaro Fernandez rounds out the starting team, whilst Fred, Donny Van de Beek, and both of the goalscorers against the Yorkshire side Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill are among those who start on the bench. 

Maguire has been left out of the matchday squad for the second friendly in a row, and there is a lingering question mark over his future at the club. 

Man United reportedly rejected a loan offer for the former captain, but they are believed to be willing to listen to offers for the player of around £35m. 

The player’s £60m move got off on the right note after Mount looked sharp in the 2-0 victory

Erik ten Hag will be watching his players closely in a bid to solve his current defensive puzzle