Nemanja Vidic has insisted that Jonny Evans’ role under Michael Carrick should not be overlooked at Manchester United after he was included in the coaching staff.
Jonny Evans called it time on his professional playing career at the end of the 2024-25 Premier League season after his second playing spell with Manchester United.
The 38-year-old Northern Irishman returned to Old Trafford in January after former Man Utd teammate Michael Carrick was appointed interim Red Devils head coach.
Carrick brought Evans into his United coaching staff alongside several other key figures, including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion.
READ MORE:Edwin van der Sar argues Premier League’s rules are wrong after Lisandro Martinez’s Man Utd sending off
Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot in action during a first-team Manchester United training session at the Carrington training complex in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Is Michael Carrick the right man? United have only won one of the last four games…
Getty Images
Nemanja Vidic on Jonny Evans’ experience as a Man Utd defender and what he brings for Michael Carrick
Nemanja Vidic played alongside both Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans at Old Trafford and the trio enjoyed major silverware success under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 44-year-old legendary former Manchester United captain witnessed first-hand what Evans brought to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils squad as a defender.
More United News
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, ex-Red Devils star Vidic touched on the significance of adopting the ‘right’ culture at the Premier League club.
The ex-Serbia international believes that Evans is the textbook example of someone who would only benefit Carrick’s United coaching staff due to his experience.
“I think it’s very important that you have people [who] understand the culture,” Vidic said.
“If you look at Michael, the people he’s choosing to be next to him, he’s obviously picking the right characters and, of course, assistants that are good in certain aspects of the game.
“Obviously, Jonny Evans is a defender and can help defenders develop and he understands them well and can talk to them in the situations he was in, down times, good times. That’s important.”
READ MORE:Gary Neville deeply critical of Michael Carrick’s risky tactical inaction during Man Utd defeat to Leeds
What is your MESSAGE to Michael Carrick after the defeat vs Leeds?
🗣️ Criticism, advice, sympathy, encouragement… let's hear it
Michael Carrick reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Nemanja Vidic on why the likes of Jonny Evans and Michael Carrick are doing well at Man Utd now
The Red Devils suffered a major setback under Carrick on Monday evening after Man Utd’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Despite United’s disappointing performance against Leeds United, Carrick has been widely praised for his work at Old Trafford since he succeeded Ruben Amorim.
Speaking on the likes of Carrick and Evans, Vidic added: “You have to have experienced people who understand the game, understand the club and understand the culture.
“I think one of the reasons they’re doing well is they have the right people around him.”
United legend Carrick has won eight of his 11 Premier League matches as interim head coach at Old Trafford in the 2025-26 campaign so far.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox