Jonny Evans takes new role at Manchester United after retiring, but fans have mixed feelings about it

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Manchester United defender Jonny Evans announced his retirement from professional football earlier today.

Following his fairytale return to Old Trafford two years ago, Jonny Evans has decided to hang up his boots; however, a new role in football awaits him.

Manchester United put out an official announcement, confirming that Evans has now become the club’s new Head of Loans and Pathways.

The new role will see him lead on loans for United’s young players as well as work closely with Jason Wilcox and the academy to further enhance how to maximise player development and the emerging talent to perform in the first team.

Man United fans react to Jonny Evans’ new role at the club

Man United fans had a mixed reaction to the club’s announcement. A lot of fans believed that it is a smart move by the club.

Another said: “Really like this move. Jonny Evans has seen the game from all angles, academy, first team, loans, and leadership. Feels like someone who truly understands what young players need to grow the right way.”

A third said: “A savvy move by Manchester United — appointing Jonny Evans as Head of Loans and Pathways leverages his leadership and deep understanding of the club to guide young talent into successful professional careers.”

But not all were happy with this announcement, many expressing frustration at the lack of signings and the prolonged Bryan Mbeumo saga.

One fan wrote: “Making appointments before signing Mbeumo, what is going on?”

“Proper clubs that finished top of the league are announcing new signings. Just look at Manchester United, which just finished 15th, notifying me about bloody Jonny Evans”, another expressed his frustration.

Many just couldn’t believe this was an actual job at the club, making fun of the state of the club. One wrote: “What kind of role is that??”

Another commented: “Now we just need a Head of Selling Fringe Players to complete the squad clear-out team.”

A third joked: “I read that as ‘Lawns and Pathways ‘and thought Man Utd had given Jonny Evans a strimming job.”

Jonny Evans’ time at Manchester United

Evans emerged through the ranks of Manchester United’s esteemed academy before breaking into the first team during the 2007/08 season, following a couple of successful loan spells away.

Renowned for his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and no-nonsense defending, Evans quickly earned the trust of Sir Alex Ferguson and established himself as a dependable option in a highly competitive squad.

His first stint at the club lasted almost nine years, as he made almost 200 appearances for United, and won three Premier League titles and two League Cups.

While he was not always a starter, he was a superb professional and a valuable squad member throughout his time at Old Trafford.

He eventually left the club in 2015 and enjoyed successful spells at West Brom and then Leicester City before making a surprise return to the club in 2023 on a short-term deal.

Brought in on a short-term deal, Evans provided much-needed experience during a challenging period under Erik ten Hag.

Now that he has taken on a new role at the club, it will be interesting to see how he uses his experience to guide the youngsters, helping them make the step up to the first team.