NI hero Jonny Evans retires from playing to take up new role at Manchester United: ‘It's been an honour to be on the pitch'
The respected centre-back also clinched two FA Cups – one apiece with United in 2024 and under his countryman Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City three years earlier – as well as a brace of League Cups in 2009 and 2010, while he was also a member of the United squad that claimed the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2008 and went on to win the Club World Cup in the same year.
On the international scene, 37-year-old Evans – who was awarded with an MBE in 2023 – was a crucial component in Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland squad alongside his younger brother Corry at Euro 2016, subsequently narrowly missing out on playing in the 2018 World Cup in Russia when O'Neill's men were defeated in a Play-Off by Switzerland.
However, he has now hung up the boots officially as he takes on a role at United that will see him lead on loans and work closely with the club's Director of Football Jason Wilcox and the Director of Academy.
The classy defender previously enjoyed two loan spells with Sunderland and time at Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp and will look to lend his experience to the Red Devils' next generation.
Evans, who is in the final stages of completing his Uefa A Licence, will be tasked with helping the Old Trafford club's brightest young stars bed into and make the grade at first-team level.
Confirming his retirement from playing and the assumption of his new role, Evans told the Manchester United website: '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.
'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.
'My biggest and most heartfelt thanks must go to the fans who have supported me during every step of the journey. It's been an honour to be on the pitch and feel your passion home and away; I will be eternally grateful for every ounce of support.
'I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential.
'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.'
United Director of Football Wilcox added: 'Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players.
"Jonny's 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.'
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