Manchester United confirm Jonny Evans staying at club in new role after retirement | OneFootball

Veteran defender hanging up his boots but won’t be leaving Old Trafford despite contract expiring

Jonny Evans has officially ended his playing career but will remain at Manchester United this summer in a new role.

United confirmed Evans’ imminent exit last month after he rejoined in the summer of 2023 after being released by relegated Leicester, struggling with a back injury last season as he made only 13 appearances across all competitions - his second-half cameo against Aston Villa on the final day representing his first outing since December.

Evans was expected to retire from football after a senior career lasting almost 20 years that began with United and also included spells with West Brom and Leicester, plus loan stints at Sunderland and Royal Antwerp in addition to 107 senior international caps for Northern Ireland - fourth on the all-time list behind only Steven Davis, Pat Jennings and Aaron Hughes.

While he is retiring as planned, Evans is no longer leaving United, who confirmed on Monday that he would be taking up a new position as head of loans and pathways, working closely with Jason Wilcox, promoted to the role of director of football this summer after joining from Southampton as technical director last year.

“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, who made 241 total appearances and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with United, plus two League Cups, the FA Cup, Club World Cup and four Community Shields.

He also won the FA Cup with Leicester and Championship title at Sunderland and was awarded an MBE in 2023.

“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.”

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.”