Jonny Evans quits professional football after memorable exploits with Man United
After a career spanning nearly two decades, Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans has officially hung up his boots following his departure from Manchester United.
The veteran signed out during United’s post-season tour in Asia, playing against Hong Kong. He was substituted at half-time with Ayden Heaven, his side a goal down before the break. But after half-time, United found their rhythm.
A brace from 17-year-old Chido-Obi and a late finish from Heaven turned the match around as they both marked their first senior goals for the club, ending 3-1 in favour of the Reds.
The 37-year-old kickoff from the United academy, the centre-back then broke into the first team in 2007 under Sir Alex Ferguson and quickly established himself as a reliable figure in defence. Calm on the ball and composed under pressure, Evans went on to make 241 appearances for the Red Devils across two separate spells.
During his first time at the club, Evans lifted three Premier League titles (2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11), a UEFA Champions League title in 2008, two League Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. After departing Old Trafford in 2015, Evans enjoyed successful spells with West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City, where he added the 2021 FA Cup to his collection and earned the captain’s armband in 2022.
Evans returned to the club in 2023, initially on a short-term basis. What began as a temporary solution soon turned into a memorable final chapter, as he helped Erik ten Hag’s side win the 2023/24 FA Cup.
The veteran bids farewell scoring 23 goals and 16 assists in 538 club appearances for club side. He scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists in 241 games for Manchester United, added 7 goals and 5 assists in 152 matches for Leicester City, and contributed 5 goals and 4 assists at West Brom. He also scored once on loan at Sunderland and twice at Royal Antwerp.
On the international stage, he made 107 appearances and scored 6 goals for Northern Ireland, featuring prominently in their Euro 2016 campaign and retiring from international football in 2024. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to football in Northern Ireland.
Jonny Evans has had an incredible campaign both for club and country leaving him well-disciplined from a teenage prospect to a decorated veteran.
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