Jonny Evans has retired from football and immediately taken up a role at Manchester United as their head of loans and pathways.
The 37-year-old hangs up his boots after a 19-year career that saw him make 386 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, Leicester, West Brom and Sunderland.
GettyJonny Evans has spent a combined 11 years of his career with Man United[/caption]Having risen through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, Evans went on to play 241 times for United, picking up plenty of silverware along the way.
He won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups with the club.
But with Evans nearing the completion of his UEFA A Licence, he will now transition into a role that will see him work closely with director of football, Jason Wilcox, and the club’s academy boss as he leads on loans to maximise the development of their young players.
The Northern Irishman announced his retirement on United’s website, as he confirmed his next career move.
He 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.
“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.”
Evans then looked ahead as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his professional life.
The former defender continued: “I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential.
Evans won three Premier League titles between 2009 and 2013 in his first spell with the Red DevilsGetty His second spell proved a tougher time, with United finished eighth and 15th in the Premier League in his two seasons back in the north westGetty“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.”
Evans’s transition into the non-playing side of football was welcomed by director of football Wilcox, who hailed his new involvement at United.
He told the club: “Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players.
“His 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.”
The Belfast native made his United debut in 2007, and went on to feature 198 times for the club over the following eight years.
Evans formed a rock-solid partnership with Harry Maguire at Leicester, before joining him at United in 2023GettyEvans then departed Old Trafford in 2015 for West Brom, spending three years at the Hawthorns before joining Leicester.
He played a key role as the Foxes won the FA Cup in 2021, but then returned to the Red Devils on a one-year deal in 2023, winning the 2024 FA Cup before extending his deal for a further season.
His international career was also successful, as he earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland after making his debut in 2006.
This included being a member of Michael O’Neill’s squad which progressed all the way to the last 16 of Euro 2016 finals in France.
He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to football in Northern Ireland, before calling time on his international career in August 2024.
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