Manchester United have turned to a former player to take on the role of head of loans and pathways.
United have fallen short compared to rivals in recent years when it comes to finding a good home for their young players sent out on loan.
With the hunt underway for a new academy director, as well as the Under-18’s manager, United have now filled what they see as a key role.
Jonny Evans has been appointed as the club’s new head of loans and pathways as he starts his career after playing.
Evans will oversee the loans of United’s young players in his new role and work closely with director of football Jason Wilcox.
United Confidential revealed in April that 37-year-old Evans could join the club’s backroom team if he decided to retire from playing at the end of his contract this summer.
The Northern Irishman has called time on a 20-year professional career including two stints at United that saw him make 241 appearances for his boyhood club, winning the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups. Evans also played for Sunderland, West Brom and Leicester, where he won the FA Cup.
Announcing his decision to retire and take up the new role, Evans said: ‘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.
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‘I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football.
‘My biggest and most heartfelt thanks must go to the fans who have supported me during every step of the journey.
‘It’s been an honour to be on the pitch and feel your passion home and away; I will be eternally grateful for every ounce of support.
‘I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development.
‘I am excited to help further develop the pathway to our first team and continue the legacy of young players thriving at Manchester United.’
Evans succeeds the highly-respected Les Parry who oversaw United’s loan system and monitored the progress of the club’s young players for 12 years.
Michael Appleton had been earmarked for the role under sporting director Dan Ashworth but the latter was sacked in December after just 159 days in the job.
Wilcox paid tribute to Evans, saying: ‘Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players.
‘Jonny’s knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United will be of great benefit to each of them as we continue to develop world-class talent capable of performing in our first team.’
