Jonny Evans is a Red... and can't thank you enough
The commitment, passion and enduring quality of Jonny Evans has been celebrated by Manchester United fans so far this season, with a chant that is all too familiar to Reds.
The Academy graduate – who turned 36 today - returned to the club last summer to provide cover at centre-back, and he has been thrust into the spotlight due to a series of injuries, making 15 appearances this campaign.
A cultured and experienced international, Evans has stepped up to the plate by producing a run of commanding performances in defence, providing assurance during a particularly challenging period for the team.
In recognition, “Jonny Evans is a Red” has been regularly chanted by match-going United fans up and down the country - as well as fans around the world - which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the man himself, who is bursting with pride.
“It's great, and I think it's taken me 20 years to get a song,” smiles the Northern Irishman, in an interview with club reporter Zarah Connolly. “I never thought it would be that, you know, taking Gary Neville's old song.
“But to hear the United fans sing a song for me: that's a dream come true for anyone.”
Big interview | Jonny Evans is a Red
Jonny Evans is a Red | The lifelong United fan reflects on a return that has rekindled his connection to our fanbase...
Evans is, of course, a lifelong United fan who moved from Belfast to Manchester to join a youth system that produced Northern Irish club legends George Best, Harry Gregg, Sammy McIlroy and Norman Whiteside, as well as many more established senior players.
United will always have a deep connection to Northern Ireland and Jonny can feel the local pride behind his story, both at Old Trafford, away fixtures and back home.
“There is [a lot of pride], obviously with being from Northern Ireland and knowing I've been fanatical myself as a kid about Man United, and knowing how everyone else over there is.
“When I go back home and see everyone, and when I'm going into the stadium, there's thousands of fans always waiting for autographs before and after games, and the amount of Northern Irish voices I hear is always incredible.
“It's always nice when I go over and hear those voices and they're all from sort of the same area where I come from. Even young kids, you know, playing for the same football team that I used to play for when I was young.
“So, it's great that I'm able to have that connection back with them. And they've always been my biggest supporters over the years, the Northern Irish Reds, so a big thank you to them.”
“I love that your family can come, and it just makes everything feel normal. You're not playing on a big pitch and in front of thousands and thousands and thousands of people. It just makes it feel a little bit more real.”
Our interview with Evans took place last Friday, just days after the 3-2 victory over Aston Villa that featured goals from Alejandro Garnacho (two) and Rasmus Hojlund. The no.35 made a crucial goalline clearance and, significantly, all in front of his watching children in the stand.
On X, Jonny’s wife - MUTV presenter Helen Evans – revealed ‘our nine-year-old just said 'that was the best Boxing Day I've ever had’ and it was clearly a special night for the entire family.
“I think now, obviously being an older and more senior player, they're the kind of small things that you get to appreciate a little bit more,” explains Jonny.
“And you know for my family to be there. Helen actually shot off early from the game because she wanted to get the kids home to bed!
“When I'm going into the stadium, there's thousands of fans always waiting for autographs before and after games, and the amount of Northern Irish voices I hear is always incredible… and they're all from sort of the same area where I come from.”
“She left us just after we scored to make it 3-2. But I was driving back with my dad and Helen's brother was over for the match. We're all driving back and just having your family to be able to be at the games, they were singing the Garnacho song almost the whole way home!
“I love that your family can come, and it just makes everything feel normal. You're not playing on a big pitch and in front of thousands and thousands and thousands of people. It just makes it feel a little bit more real.”
Keeping the comeback on track 👊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 27, 2023
Timing ➕ positioning 🟰 a crucial Jonny Evans block! 🚫#MUFC || @RemingtonUK
Our 9 year old just said ‘that was the best Boxing Day I’ve ever had’ 🥺❤️#weloveunitedwedo
— Helen Evans (@6hellsbells) December 26, 2023
The support of his family and our fans is something that Evans does not take for granted. He knows his position is privileged and gives absolutely everything for the club. As we start a new year with hope for better days, the lifelong Red has a simple message for those who have backed him.
“I'll just say thank you for the support and I think Man United fans have always been amazing with me over the years. And the support, you know, I always feel like it's my responsibility to perform on the pitch.
“That's what I try and concentrate on as much as I can.”
Watch our full interview with Jonny in the video above.