Tributes pour in for Evans ahead of new chapter

The news that Jonny is still a Red, and is our new head of loans and pathways, thus calling time on his playing career, was warmly welcomed by fans and peers alike, recognising the defender's illustrious 19-year career.

Evans played for United 241 times across two stints and won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

He now embarks on a new chapter of his career, off the pitch, to assist in the development of players coming through our ranks in the same way he did back in 2006.

And he does so with the full backing of United, our fans, and clubs for whom he previously turned out for across his playing days.

"Enjoy retirement, Jonny," commented the Premier League on our announcement on X.

Sunderland, who will return to the top flight in 2025/26 and whom Evans played for on loan between 2006 and 2008, said: "Congratulations on an outstanding career and best of luck, Jonny!"

As well as the Premier League and Sunderland, former United defender David May paid tribute to Jonny, who he describes as the "ultimate professional".

"Jonny is the ultimate professional, a very, very down-to-earth lad who knew what it was to play for Manchester United," said May.

"He never let the club down, he was never in the limelight, he just came in and did his job and he is going to be sorely missed, he really is, because he was a great player.

"It is something that he learned coming through the youth into the first team, he knows what it takes to become a Manchester United player and how you conduct yourself on and off the pitch as well. He has just been the ultimate professional.

"The fact that he has been there, seen it, done it, he has won everything, you cannot buy that experience. And for him to pass that knowledge on, the knowhow, how to conduct yourself on the pitch, it’s money can’t buy that, it’s different class.

"He deserves everything he gets.

"The way he represents himself to the club, he works ever so hard and for any young kid aspiring to play for Manchester United, don’t look any further than Jonny because when you look at the way he conducts himself, he has absolutely been different class."

We selected some of the best comments of support from our fans on social media as well:

@FaisalW52584369: "That's our Jonny👏🔥"

@LeviCole185533: "Good luck in your retirement Jonny Evans, thank you for everything. 👍🏾🙌🏾👏🏾"

@Sirheed_Solar: "Congratulations Jonny 👏👏👏"

@NeelendraSing12: "Perfect person to guide young talent❤️🔥"

@SportyStargazer: "Happy retirement, Jonny! Good luck in your new role."