Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been tasked with helping develop the careers of the club's young players after confirming his retirement, BTA reported.
The 37-year-old, who won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his two spells at “Old Trafford“, has been appointed head of recruitment and development. Evans' role will involve working closely with director of football Jason Wilcox and the academy director to facilitate the development of talent in the first team.
Jonny Evans told the club's website: “I would like to officially announce my retirement from playing, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter. I will be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and of course my team-mates who I have had the privilege of working with throughout my 20 years in professional football.
I look forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having experienced transfers myself, I know the crucial role they can play in a player's development“.
Evans, who made 107 appearances for Northern Ireland and was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2023, came through United's academy to make 241 appearances for the club.
He also played for West Brom and Leicester, where he enjoyed a FA Cup success for the second time in 2021, and it is important to note that he had two loan spells at Sunderland under former Red Devils captain Roy Keane at the start of a career that amounted to 536 appearances.
His playing days effectively ended at the end of last season and, while he is close to completing his UEFA A licence, he insisted earlier this summer that he was in no rush to make a decision about his future.
Now, however, his contract at Old Trafford has officially expired and he is ready to embark on the final stage of his illustrious career.