Manchester United Appoints Jonny Evans as Head of Loans and Pathways.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Manchester United

Manchester United has confirmed the appointment of Jonny Evans as the club’s new Head of Loans and Pathways, marking the start of a new chapter for the former defender following the official end of his playing career.

The move sees Evans transition into a developmental and strategic role within the club’s structure, focused on overseeing loan arrangements and working closely with Manchester United’s director of football Jason Wilcox and the director of Academy to optimize the club’s player development system.

From Pitch to Pathway: Evans’ Post-Retirement Role

Evans, who is currently completing his UEFA A Licence, will be tasked with guiding United’s youth players through tailored loan spells aimed at preparing them for the club’s first team. The role will also involve close coordination between United’s first-team management and Academy leadership to ensure that promising talent is nurtured and given appropriate competitive experience.

“I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential,” said Evans. “Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role they can play in a player’s development.”

His new position reflects a broader trend among elite football clubs to create specialized roles that bridge youth development and senior team readiness, ensuring smoother transitions for emerging talent.

A Distinguished Career Manchester United Jonny Evans

The Northern Ireland international’s playing career spanned two decades, including 241 appearances for Manchester United, where he won multiple titles:

• 3 Premier League trophies

• 1 Champions League

• 1 FA Cup

• 2 League Cups

  
  

In total, Evans made 536 senior appearances for five clubs and earned 107 international caps. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to football.

“I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead,” Evans said in a statement.

Strategic Significance for Manchester United

Jonny Evans’ appointment comes amid Manchester United’s continued efforts to strengthen its talent pipeline and reinforce its identity as a club that develops and promotes homegrown players. Director of Football Jason Wilcox described Evans as an “exceptional role model” whose experience and understanding of Manchester United’s expectations will benefit young players in transition.

“Jonny’s knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United will be of great benefit,” said Wilcox. “We are continuing to develop world-class talent capable of performing in our first team.”