Manchester United make important squad decision as 'leader' Jonny Evans praised

Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Thursday, July 20.

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been informed he will be a part of Erik ten Hag's first-team squad next season.

Mainoo, 18, has long been considered the shining light of his age group in the academy and the Manchester Evening News understands the midfielder will be kept around the first-team this season instead of being sent on loan.

It's understood a loan was possible for Mainoo, but the decision has been made to keep him around the squad. Alejandro Garnacho took that route to the first team last term and he's now an established player at senior level.

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Erik ten Hag praised Jonny Evans as a "leader" after the 35-year-old made his return to Manchester United colours with a 45-minute run-out in the friendly win against Lyon.

Evans is back at the club eight years after his Old Trafford departure, having signed a short-term deal to cover pre-season to offer more depth to Ten Hag's squad.

The Northern Ireland international is a free agent after leaving Leicester City and he was training at Carrington to maintain his fitness last week, before Ten Hag drafted him into the squad.

He played the second half against Lyon at Murrayfield, producing an assured performance against the Ligue 1 side and one which got the seal of approval from Ten Hag.

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