Jonny Evans, the former Manchester United defender, has decided to hang up his boots and take up a role at the club as their head of loans and pathways. The 37-year-old has had a long and successful career, making 386 Premier League appearances for various clubs, including the Red Devils, Leicester, West Brom, and Sunderland.
A Career Spanning 19 Years
Evans, who rose through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, went on to play 241 times for United, winning numerous titles along the way. He won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups with the club. Now, as he nears the completion of his UEFA A Licence, he will transition into a role that will see him work closely with director of football, Jason Wilcox, and the club's academy boss to lead on loans and maximize the development of their young players.
A New Chapter Begins
The Northern Irishman announced his retirement on United's website, expressing his gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. He thanked the managers, coaches, staff, and teammates who have supported him throughout his 20-year career in professional football. Evans also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the fans who have supported him every step of the way.
As he prepares to begin a new chapter in his professional life, Evans is looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them in reaching their potential. Having had experience of loans himself, he knows the crucial role they can play within a player's development. He is excited to help further develop the pathway to the first team and continue the legacy of young players thriving at Manchester United.
A Warm Welcome from the Club
Evans' transition into the non-playing side of football was welcomed by director of football Wilcox, who hailed his new involvement at United. Wilcox told the club that Evans is the perfect role model for their young players, and his knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United will be of great benefit to each of them as they continue to develop world-class talent capable of performing in their first team.
A Successful Career On and Off the Pitch
The Belfast native made his United debut in 2007 and went on to feature 198 times for the club over the following eight years. He then departed Old Trafford in 2015 for West Brom, spending three years at the Hawthorns before joining Leicester. He played a key role as the Foxes won the FA Cup in 2021 but then returned to the Red Devils on a one-year deal in 2023, winning the 2024 FA Cup before extending his deal for a further season.
Evans' international career was also successful, as he earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland after making his debut in 2006. He was a member of Michael O'Neill's squad which progressed all the way to the last 16 of Euro 2016 finals in France. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to football in Northern Ireland before calling time on his international career in August 2024.
