“I Need More Time With My Family” says Jonny Evans as he leaves Man United role
Jonny Evans has quietly stepped away from his position as Manchester United’s head of loans and pathways, bringing an unexpected end to a five month spell that many inside the club believed would be long term.
The 37 year old informed the club of his decision earlier this week, citing family priorities as the key reason behind his exit. His departure raises new questions about how United will reshape a department that had only just begun to evolve under his guidance.
Evans accepted the role in June shortly after hanging up his boots at the end of a distinguished playing career that included 536 senior appearances. His connection to United ran deep as he featured 241 times for the club across two separate spells and played a major part in one of the most successful eras in recent Old Trafford history.
People close to the situation confirmed that the split has been entirely amicable. Evans is understood to be taking a step back to reassess his next move rather than pivoting immediately into another long term football commitment.
Before joining United’s backroom structure, Evans had been close to completing his UEFA A Licence. That qualification path suggests a possible route into coaching and those who worked with him believe he has the temperament for it. Whether he chooses to return in a technical role or simply pauses his career remains to be seen.
His playing résumé highlights why United were keen to bring him back in a developmental capacity. Evans lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford. He also won 107 caps for Northern Ireland, captaining the side through multiple qualifying campaigns.
The loans and pathways role at United is increasingly important as the club tries to build a more strategic system for developing young players. Evans was seen as a steady voice who could link academy prospects with the senior environment while helping guide their loan spells. Now the club must determine who is best placed to continue that work.
His departure also sparks wider considerations. Does United promote internally or look for someone with fresh ideas from outside? How much momentum is lost during the transition? And if Evans is indeed considering a coaching future, might he return to Old Trafford in a different capacity down the line?
For now he steps away on his own terms. What comes next for both Evans and Manchester United will shape an intriguing chapter in a project that had only just begun to take form.