Jonny Evans has confirmed his retirement but will take on a new role upon ending his career with Manchester United.
Manchester United are saying goodbye to two central defenders from Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.
Victor Lindelof is leaving Old Trafford, with the Swedish defender departing at the end of his contract.
Jonny Evans announced his retirement at the end of the Premier League season, calling time on a brilliant career.
The Northern Irishman only featured in seven Premier League games last season and, at the age of 37, he has decided to hang up his boots.
Evans isn’t truly leaving Old Trafford, though, as he has been given a crucial role in the club’s development setup.
Jonny Evans applauds Manchester United fans against Tottenham Hotspur.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Jason Wilcox on Jonny Evans appointment at Manchester United
United lost loan manager Les Parry last year and have been searching for a replacement.
Michael Appleton was a United target for that exact role, though his potential move collapsed once Dan Ashworth moved on.
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Reports last week suggested that Evans had been earmarked for the loan manager job, and that deal has now been confirmed.
Evans’ official job title will be ‘head of loans and pathways’, managing young talents and their potential loan moves away from Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox has offered his reaction to the deal, telling United’s official website that he thinks Evans is the ‘perfect role model’ for United’s youngsters.
Wilcox praised Evans for his ‘exceptional’ career on the pitch, and now believes the 37-year-old can play a key role in developing ‘world-class talent’ at Old Trafford.
“Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players,” said Wilcox.
“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,” he added.
Jonny Evans on new Manchester United role
Evans knows a thing or two about leaving United on loan.
Sir Alex Ferguson sent Evans to Royal Antwerp in 2006 as a connection with the Belgian club teed up a loan move.
Evans then spent two loan spells at Sunderland, playing under former United captain Roy Keane in the process.
That history may lend itself well to this new role, with Evans admitting that he fully understands the ‘crucial’ value of loan moves for young players.
Evans thanked everybody for their support in his playing career, and is now excited to start this new chapter of his life at United.
“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,” said Evans.
“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,” he added.
Evans should be busy this summer, with the likes of Ethan Williams, Ethan Wheatley, Dan Gore, Rhys Bennett and Tyler Fredricson potentially primed for loan moves.
Evans has experienced loans both at home and abroad, so he may have some interesting ideas on where to send United’s top talents.