Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has returned to Old Trafford in a new capacity after his appointment by the Red Devils as the head of loans and pathways.
Evans broke into the Manchester United first team as a teenager before being sent out on two early loan spells. The composed center-back first excelled in Belgium with Royal Antwerp before adapting to the rigours of senior English football during a stint with Sunderland.
After concluding a distinguished playing career that included three Premier League titles and 241 appearances for United, reports emerged suggesting Evans had been approached to oversee the club’s young players during their loan spells. Those reports have now been confirmed.
“Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players,” United’s director of football Jason Wilcox said via Manchester United’s official website.
“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.”
Reacting to the appointment 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.”
Toward the end of the 24/25 campaign, Manchester United’s head coach Ruben Amorim relied heavily on youth players in the Premier League. The upcoming pre-season friendlies will give Amorim a chance to further evaluate these talents and those considered not yet ready for first-team action will likely be sent out on loan next season.
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