Jonny Evans has enjoyed a distinguished club career Former Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans has retired as a player and will take up a role with Manchester United as their head of loans and pathways. As well as two spells with the Old Trafford giants, the 37-year-old also played in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City, and had two periods on loan at Sunderland. Evans, who made 241 appearances for United, came through their academy and won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups with the club. "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead," Evans told the club's website. "I'll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football." Manchester United say his new role will involve him leading on loan moves for the club's young players, working with director of football Jason Wilcox to maximise player development and prepare young talent for the first team. "Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player's development. I am excited to help further develop the pathway to our first team and continue the legacy of young players thriving at Manchester United," Evans added. Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, said: "Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players. "His knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United will be of great benefit to each of them as we continue to develop world-class talent capable of performing in our first team." As a player, Evans left Old Trafford in 2015 but returned eight years later when Erik ten Hag was manager. Evans played a key role as Leicester won the FA Cup in 2021 before returning on a one-year deal in 2023, winning the 2024 FA Cup before extending his deal for a further season. He earned 107 international caps between 2006 and 2024, scoring six goals and captaining his country 15 times. His first Northern Ireland appearance came as an 18-year-old in a memorable 3-2 win over Spain in Belfast, in September 2006, with his last against the same opposition in a 5-1 friendly defeat in Mallorca in June 2024. Two months later he announced his retirement from international football. Evans was a member of Michael O'Neill's squad which took part in the Euro 2016 finals in France. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to football in Northern Ireland.
Evans confirms retirement with new Man Utd role
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Jonny Evans Retires from Playing Career, Takes Role at Manchester United"
Bbc News
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Jonny Evans, the former Northern Ireland defender, has officially announced his retirement from professional football after a distinguished career spanning two decades. The 37-year-old has made a significant impact at Manchester United, where he played for two spells, as well as in the Premier League with clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. Throughout his career, Evans accumulated an impressive 241 appearances for United, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and several domestic cups including the FA Cup and League Cup. Reflecting on his career, Evans expressed pride and gratitude, acknowledging the invaluable support he received from managers, coaches, and teammates. His retirement marks the end of an era as he transitions into a new role with Manchester United as the head of loans and pathways, a position that emphasizes player development and the nurturing of young talent within the club.
In his new role, Evans will work closely with Manchester United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, to enhance the pathways for young players aiming to break into the first team. He is particularly enthusiastic about the importance of loan experiences in a player’s development, drawing from his own experiences during his career. Wilcox praised Evans as an ideal role model for young players, highlighting his extensive knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United. Evans also enjoyed a successful international career, earning 107 caps for Northern Ireland and captaining the team on multiple occasions, including participation in the Euro 2016 finals. His contributions to football have been recognized with an MBE award in 2023 for his services to the sport in Northern Ireland. As he embarks on this new chapter, Evans aims to help foster the next generation of talent at Manchester United, continuing the club's legacy of developing world-class players.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.