2 min read
Football Insider

Jonny Evans Leaves Role as Head of Loans and Pathways at Man Utd

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has left his position as head of loans and pathways at Old Trafford after just six months. Learn more about his decision and what's next for the retired player.

Jonny Evans Leaves Role as Head of Loans and Pathways at Man Utd

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has left his role as head of loans and pathways after six months in the role at Old Trafford. At 37, Evans decided to hang up his boots after his second spell as a player with the Red Devils came to an end last summer. In his first period at Old Trafford, Evans won the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup.According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, Evans has left his role as Manchester United's head of loans and pathways, a job he took only six months back, following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.The report adds that Evans left his job to spend more time with his family and his departure was mutually agreed upon with the Red Devils. Evans made 241 appearances for United after coming through their academy. The centre-back won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups with the Premier League giants. Other than his two spells at Old Trafford, Evans also played in the Premier League for West Brom and Leicester City and had enjoyed two loan spells at Sunderland. He also won 107 caps for the Northern Ireland national team.After officially announcing that he had hung up his boots, Evans returned to his boyhood club almost immediately after leaving them as a player as he accepted the role of head of loans and pathways. The 37-year-old's job saw him work closely with United's director of football Jason Wilcox to enhance the progress of young players and help them become ready for the first team.After accepting the role, Evans had said: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football. 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."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!In April, Wrexham were keen on a move for the experienced defender, who was supposed to leave Old Trafford after his second spell at the club following the expiry of his contract. However, no such move materialised as the Red Dragons never formally approached the player, who later announced his retirement.While there has been no indication from Evans' side that he would come back to Old Trafford in future, his former team-mate Wes Brown had backed him to become United manager someday. Earlier this season, Brown said: "Could Jonny Evans be a future Manchester United manager? It’s happened before with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy getting chances. He has a calmness about him and he has been a great servant to the club and a fantastic professional. If he wants to go into management then he will give it everything and I’d love to see it. Giggs, Carrick and Ruud have been in the hotseat, sometimes it just takes a bit of luck and it will be a dream for all United players that go into management."

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Jonny Evans: A Manchester United Legend

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has bid farewell to his role as head of loans and pathways at the club after a brief six-month stint. At 37, Evans decided to retire from professional football last summer, marking the end of his illustrious career that included multiple trophies and over 200 appearances for the Red Devils.

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Career Transition and Retirement

After announcing his retirement from playing, Evans transitioned smoothly into the role of head of loans and pathways at Manchester United. His job involved nurturing young talents and preparing them for first-team action under the guidance of director of football, Jason Wilcox.

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Future Prospects

While there is no indication of a return to Old Trafford in the future, Evans's former teammate Wes Brown has expressed confidence in Evans's managerial potential. With a calm demeanor and a wealth of experience, Evans could follow in the footsteps of other ex-United players who have successfully transitioned into coaching roles at the club.

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Legacy and Impact

Jonny Evans leaves behind a legacy of success and professionalism at Manchester United. His dedication to the club, both as a player and in his brief administrative role, has left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Evans's influence on the development of young talents at United will not be forgotten.

Published on Dec 8, 2025