Jonny Evans has been released by Manchester United and the defender remains uncertain about what could come next in his career when he leaves the Red Devils this month
Jonny Evans is in no rush to make a decision on his future after it was confirmed he would be released by Manchester United. The defender is set to see his contract expire at the end of the month with no renewal forthcoming.
But despite the 37-year-old being firmly in the twilight of his career, no official announcement on a retirement has arrived, though he is expected to do so. The Northern Irish defender is set to reflect on his situation before making a decision over his next steps.
Evans is set to end his second spell at Old Trafford having returned to the club in 2023 to take on a senior role in the dressing room and to provide additional depth in United’s backline. The veteran probably played more than anticipated making 30 appearances in his first season back to see his contract extended by a further year.
Evans was called upon less frequently last term in a difficult season and joins the likes of Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof in exiting the club. Tom Heaton remains in discussions over potentially extending his stay.
It had been suggested Evans’ departure could mark the end of his career, after Evans noted ‘It was stay here or retire’ last summer. The defender is yet to make plans however.
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“I’m not sure yet,” Evans told BBC Sport NI when asked about his future . “I’ll take a bit of time. I don’t feel like I’m in a rush to do anything.”
In his eight years away from Manchester, Evans spent three years at West Bromwich Albion and five years at Leicester. The central defender added an FA Cup victory in 2021 to three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cup success across his two stints with the Red Devils.
Evans earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland and provided some analysis on where the nation stands during his appearance on BBC. The ex-Sunderland loanee is hopeful his former boss, Michael O’Neill can lead the country to World Cup qualification.
“When you’ve got Michael O’Neill in charge, he gives everyone a little bit of hope,” said Evans, “He’s taken the team to a major tournament before and if you want anyone in charge, it’s him.
“When I look at this team it reminds me of ourselves. He’s playing five at the back and he has Isaac Price, he’s on a good run of form.
“You look throughout the team, you see Dan Ballard and Trai Hume getting promoted, they’ll be playing Premier League football and that’ll only be good for the team. I’m excited. Over the next couple of years I think we’ll see them progress together.”
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