Must read: What George Best means to Jonny Evans

The lifelong Red was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in a family and society that worshipped the charismatic, fleet-footed icon.

Indeed, stories of Best’s achievements, on and off the pitch, were never far away and Jonny was proud to follow in his footsteps by graduating from our youth system into the first team, and now maintaining that legendary Northern Irish connection.

A player with a deep understanding of United history, Evans has a true appreciation for El Beatle’s legacy and speaks passionately about the former winger. Here, you can read an extract of our interview, all about the iconic Belfast Boy…

GROWING UP IN BELFAST

“Everyone spoke about George Best,” remembers Jonny.

“It wasn't something that was kind of new to me. Growing up, that was just it - everyone spoke about George Best and how good he was. Being a United fan, it was quite prominent in my household.

 “He's obviously a world icon. Coming from the same country as myself, it's something that everyone in Northern Ireland is extremely proud of. 

“He went on to be one of the greatest footballers of all time and obviously playing for Manchester United, so I've got huge admiration and respect and pride all rolled into one. He represents everything about Northern Ireland.

“We're so lucky that he represented us.”

A FELLOW YOUTH-TEAM GRADUATE

“When I came into the youth team at the club, you get more ingrained in the history of the club and you know how big a part he played. That’s what everyone spoke about, how good George Best was. So it was always synonymous with Manchester United. And I always felt that little extra bit of a connection with the fact that he was from Northern Ireland.

“I can remember when he passed away [in 2005] and, obviously, we were all straight down the Old Trafford and laying flowers outside the stadium. And it was a sad day, but also going down there to sort of celebrate, you know, what an icon he was and paying our respects.

“When I came into the youth team, the old coach, Paul McGuinness, was adamant that all the players were ingrained in the history of the club, all the players of that era and how big an achievement it was, because, obviously at that time, that was the first European Cup [United won], and then the second one was wasn't until ‘99. 

“So it was quite a long way to wait for the club. And so they were a big part of the history and obviously the fact that he came through the youth set-up was a big inspiration to all of us.”

A NORTHERN IRISH BALLON D'OR WINNER

“It says everything about his talent [that he won the Ballon d'Or]. Being from Northern Ireland, you know, it can be difficult. You know you're  from such a small place. So, for someone to come out and be a real shining light to everyone, not just in Northern Ireland, but everyone around the world, it's amazing what he achieved. And you know how good a player he was. People still talk about him to this day, so it just shows you the impact he's had.

“People always ask who's the most famous footballer from your country and, straightaway, you know you've got one up on them already because of George Best. Everyone's heard of him so, straightaway, he claimed that. And I think when you look at the way he played and the balance and the skill and the way he went past people, there's not many people that could entertain a crowd like him, even to this day. And he’s still amazing to watch when you look back at his videos and how tough he was. Also, some of the kicks he used to get and he would just get up, be brave and get on with it. And I think that's why he was loved.”

THE NEW CLOTHING RANGE

“I've seen it. I tried the jacket on last week, I had a little sneaky try on and I have to say it's an amazing tracksuit. It's got the old badge on it and everything, so it's beautiful and, you know, it takes you back to the colours that they wore at that time and that [1968 European Cup] final. I love it.”

Browse the new George Best range now via the United Store.