Jonny Evans has immediately begun his new role as he looks set to oversee a 19-year-old’s move away from Manchester United this year
It was announced after Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season that Jonny Evans would retire from football and leave the club.
However, while Evans is retiring from professional football, he has already been given a new role to keep him at Old Trafford after his illustrious 241 appearances for the Red Devils.
During his time under Rúben Amorim, the Northern Irish defender struggled to play as much as he did under Erik ten Hag after rejoining the club as an emergency central defensive option.
But, it is his time under Sir Alex Ferguson that Evans will be remembered for; he won the Champions League in 2008, three Premier League titles, two League Cups and even the Club World Cup.
After his return, Evans played a part in United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, where Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored to make it a 2-0 win.
Evans appointed head of loans and pathways
In a statement made on the Manchester United website, Evans said: “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.”
He later spoke on his excitement for his new role: “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.”
Jason Wilcox, who Evans will work closely with, said: “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.”
Evans to oversee Williams move
As reported by Ben Jacobs, United’s “fantastic” Academy talent Ethan Williams could be set for a move away from the club, with sides from Belgium interested in the 19-year-old’s signature.
This will be the first move Evans will have to oversee as part of his new role at Old Trafford, with the former defender focused on what’s best for the club, as well as the player.
The starlet has one year left on his current United contract, but it is not uncommon for those with 12 months remaining to sign a new deal at the club before embarking on a loan move – a decision Evans will undoubtedly be involved in.
Williams plays his best football off the wing, with the ability to play on either side due to his strong weak foot, but he has also played as a full-back in a defensive four.
Some fans of the academy thought this would make him the perfect option for a wing back in Amorim’s system, but with just one year left on his deal, it appears Williams could leave the club sooner rather than later.
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