'We need that' - Jonny Evans highlights quality Erik ten Hag has that can lead Man Utd to challenge for Premier League & Europa League titles this season

Despite being under huge pressure to keep his job, Ten Hag has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his two years in charge at United. However, they ended up eighth last season - their lowest ever Premier League finish. Ahead of the new campaign, centre-back Evans has backed his manager and says lifting trophies in the past can help them win more in the future.

He told United's website: "The manager has been able to do that [win trophies] since he came here, he’s got a great record in the cup competitions and he speaks highly about the fact that he is a winner. We need that.

"Obviously, we’ve had a couple of lads going away with their countries in South America - Licha [Lisandro Martinez] and [Alejandro] Garnacho - so we’ve got winners in the squad and want to add to that. Winning trophies can only benefit you in terms of giving you confidence to go on and win more."

Evans added: "You’re always trying to look forward. We’ve already had meetings and you see what trophies are up for grabs this year. We’ve got the Europa League to contend with as well, obviously, and we’re in all of them to win it. There’s another chance in the Europa League, we’re back in the cup competitions and in the league so there’s a lot and we’ll give it a good shot in all of them.”

The pressure is on Ten Hag and United to deliver this season after a turbulent 2023-24. The Dutchman will be under the cosh to keep his job if they don't start the new season well. While they have signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils may need more investment to be more competitive this term.

Evans and Ten Hag's United take on rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon in the Community Shield, before kickstarting their season next Friday night at home to Fulham in the Premier League.