Jonny Evans to Manchester United: How did the defender maintain his connection with the club even after leaving?

Manchester United have re-signed former club defender Jonny Evans on a one-year deal. It was an extremely surprising move for many supporters and pundits alike. During the majority of the summer transfer window, the Red Devils were linked with several big name players to fill the defensive positions. However, the club failed to sign any of them and instead brought back a former defender, who came through the club’s Academy ranks.

After leaving Manchester United, Jonny Evans played for teams like West Brom and Leicester City in the Premier League. Despite being away from the club, he had still maintained his connection with the Red Devils one way or another. “I’ve been a Man United fan since I can remember, and I was still able to come to some of the games, you never lose that. And I experienced that when I went to other clubs. Players always have their teams that they grew up supporting when they were a kid and Man United was it for me,” Evans was quoted as saying by the club’s website.

There were still big connections with the club: Jonny Evans

He added: “There were still big connections with the club, with my wife obviously working for MUTV and working for the club in different parts, so there’s always been that connection for me. And even while I was away, I was able to come back and watch some games. I got to both cup finals last year and the club looked after me. So, it was great to go and watch those games and see the club win the League Cup, which was a great experience.”

Jonny Evans made his second debut during the late defeat against Arsenal last weekend after coming on as a second half substitute. The defender explained how it would be great for his kids to see him playing at Old Trafford. “I think they know I used to play for Man United, but I don’t think they believe me in that sense. It’s nice that they’re going to be able to watch me. My eldest was actually born during my last season at the club [2014/15] so it’d be nice to be able to take them to Old Trafford and for the children to see their dad running out at Old Trafford would be something special for any child. So, I’m really fortunate and lucky that I get to do that,” he explained.

Evans is working hard to be physically and mentally ready for every game and is eager to give as much as he can when Erik ten Hag calls him up to play. “[I want] to contribute as much as I can and try to give as much as I can to the team, to the club, and when I’m needed [to play], to be ready. There’s a lot of professionalism that has to go into that. It’s a different type of challenge for me, to make sure I’m physically ready and mentally ready for games. And that’s something that I’m looking forward to the challenge of,” he elaborated.

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