Man United Elevates Jonny Evans to New Role as 'Perfect Role Model' for Squad
Manchester United have officially announced the hiring of former defender Jonny Evans to serve as the club's new head of loans and pathways.
After concluding an impressive playing career that included three Premier League championships and 241 matches for Manchester United, reports emerged that Evans was being considered for a role supervising the club's emerging talent throughout their loan experiences.
These speculations have now been validated. "I'm eager to collaborate with the upcoming generation of skilled players to assist them in achieving their full potential," Evans expressed enthusiastically to Manchester United's official website.
"Having experienced loan moves personally, I understand the vital importance they hold in a player's growth. I'm thrilled to contribute to enhancing the pathway to our senior team and maintaining the tradition of young talents succeeding at Manchester United."
Evans entered United's academy in Belfast, Northern Ireland at age nine before ultimately breaking into the senior squad as a young player. The composed defender was sent on two loan assignments early in his career, excelling in Belgium with Royal Antwerp before adapting to the challenges of professional English football at Sunderland.
"Having recently concluded his remarkable playing career, Jonny serves as an ideal mentor for our young talents," United's recently appointed director of football Jason Wilcox praised.
"Jonny's understanding of the requirements for success at Manchester United will greatly benefit each of them as we continue nurturing world-class talent ready to compete in our first team."
It's unclear which young players Ruben Amorim will be prepared to part with next season. During the latter stages of the 2024–25 season, Manchester United's manager increasingly relied on youth for Premier League matches while concentrating on the Europa League, even selecting the club's youngest starting eleven ever used in the tournament.
Many of these promising talents are anticipated to join the senior squad for United's preseason matches, providing Amorim with another chance to evaluate their abilities. Those considered not yet ready for United's first team will be among the initial group of loan players under Evans's supervision.