Jonathan Grant Evans MBE, born on January 3, 1988, is a professional footballer hailing from Northern Ireland, renowned for his role as a centre back for both the Premier League side Manchester United and the national team of Northern Ireland.
Evans initiated his footballing journey at Manchester United, progressing through the ranks of the club’s academy system. To gain invaluable first-team experience, he embarked on loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Sunderland before making his debut for Manchester United’s first team during the 2007–08 League Cup. Subsequently, he became a regular member of the first-team squad, accumulating nearly 200 appearances for Manchester United and clinching three Premier League titles, among various other honors, throughout an eight-year tenure. However, his standing at the club diminished under the management of Louis van Gaal, prompting his departure to West Bromwich Albion in 2015. After West Brom’s relegation three years later, Evans made a move to Leicester City, where he contributed significantly to securing the FA Cup in 2021. Following Leicester City’s relegation in 2023, Evans returned to his former club Manchester United on a one-year contract.
Evans holds the distinction of being the second-most decorated player in the history of Northern Irish football. He boasts over 100 appearances for the Northern Ireland national team and played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016.
Regarding his club career, Evans was scouted while representing Greenisland, the same club where his younger brother Corry and Craig Cathcart once played before joining Manchester United. Initially faced with geographical constraints imposed by The Football Association, Evans and his family relocated to Manchester, enabling him to pursue full-time training with Manchester United. He progressed through the ranks of the club’s academy, featuring prominently in various pre-season fixtures and tournaments.
During the 2006–07 season, Evans, alongside fellow promising talents such as Darron Gibson, Danny Simpson, and Fraizer Campbell, embarked on a loan stint at Royal Antwerp, Manchester United’s affiliated club in Belgium, to further enhance his experience and exposure to competitive football.
Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans has re-signed for Manchester United on a short-term deal.
The 35-year-old, who left Leicester City at the end of last season, has been signed after impressing boss Erik ten Hag in training.
The deal enables Evans to play in friendlies against Lyon and Wrexham.
Evans played 198 games for United before departing in 2015, having won the Champions League and three Premier League titles.
The Manchester United academy graduate was initially training with the U21s as he considered his options after departing the Foxes.
He also took part in a number of first-team sessions and caught the eye of Ten Hag and his coaching staff.
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