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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
Trump admin third-country deportation exposes asylum seekers, migrants to enforced disappearance, torture: UN
At least 23,000 people have already been sent to 29 countries and territories, with agreements now covering 35, and the experts said more are being signed “every day”.
World
UNGA81: Racism continues to poison societies, UN chief warns
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says racism continues to poison societies, calling for tangible actions to address it.
Abuja
Nigeria will back UN candidate who believes in Africa’s aspirations: Shettima
Mr Shettima says Nigeria will support a candidate for the position of the United Nations secretary-general who believes in Africa’s aspirations in global affairs.
Rights
Unreported sexual abuse of boys in Kaduna due to stigma, family pressure: Stakeholders
Stakeholders in child protection and justice administration in Kaduna have raised concerns over the growing number of unreported sexual abuse cases involving boys.
Africa
Startup awards will drive regional integration, job creation, says ECOWAS
ECOWAS says its Startup Awards will drive regional integration, industrialisation and inclusion by producing scalable West African businesses that survive, create jobs and expand.
Africa
Insecurity disrupts aid operations in northern Ethiopia, says UN
The United Nations has warned that continued insecurity in northern Ethiopia is disrupting humanitarian operations and restricting aid access to people in need.
