Defender has been appointed to lead the club’s loan strategy after announcing his retirement
Jonny Evans has officially brought an end to his 20-year playing career and stepped into a new role at Manchester United, taking charge of the club’s loans and player pathway programme.
The 36-year-old made over 240 appearances for United during two spells at Old Trafford and, following his retirement, will now oversee the development of emerging talent by managing the club’s loan system.
Evans’s appointment is part of efforts by the club’s football director Jason Wilcox to ensure smoother transition from United’s academy to the first team.
Evans’ new position as head of loans and pathways will see him collaborate closely with Wilcox and the club’s academy leadership. The aim is to better structure how young players will move from youth levels to senior football, using strategic loan spells as to help their development.
The move comes after Evans announced his retirement from professional football, following a distinguished career that saw him win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and multiple domestic cups with United. The player also earned more than 100 international caps for Northern Ireland.
His final season was a surprise return to United, where he featured under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim when United were short of defenders.
Evans said: “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.”
United have long been praised for their youth system, although recent years have brought renewed scrutiny over the number of players making a genuine breakthrough at senior level. Evans could be part of the new team under the INEOS administration that would work to improve the system.
“Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players,” said Wilcox. “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.”
