Veteran defender Jonny Evans has officially retired from professional football after playing his final game for Manchester United during their post-season tour in Asia.
The 37-year-old brought the curtain down on a remarkable career in United’s 3-1 win over Hong Kong, where he started the match but was substituted at halftime.
The game marked Evans’ last appearance in the famous red shirt, with the club already having confirmed his departure as one of three confirmed exits this summer.
Up to ten more players could also leave as United look to reshape their squad in the transfer window.
Evans’ final match was a relatively quiet one in defence during the first half, though teammate Godwill Kukonki was beaten easily in the build-up to Juninho’s goal for the Hong Kong side.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton was also at fault for the opener. However, United bounced back in the second half with two goals from youngster Chido Obi and a late strike from Ayden Heaven, who had replaced Evans at the break.
It was a fitting way to sign off for Evans, who has enjoyed a career filled with major honours and memorable moments.
Evans had already announced his retirement from international football with Northern Ireland on August 28, 2024, after earning 107 caps for his country. Injuries kept him sidelined for parts of the recent season, leading to questions about his future once his contract expired at the end of June.
Following the final whistle in Hong Kong, respected football journalist and United We Stand editor Andy Mitten confirmed that the match would be Evans’ last as a professional footballer.
Over the course of his career, Evans made 537 competitive club appearances and won a total of 14 major trophies. He was a key part of Manchester United’s last Premier League title-winning side under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
A product of United’s Academy, Evans made a name for himself at Old Trafford before a controversial sale by Louis van Gaal in 2014. He went on to enjoy strong spells at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City, where he impressed as a consistent and reliable presence in defence. In 2023, he returned to Manchester United, offering experience and leadership to the squad.
Evans’ list of honours includes the 2008 UEFA Champions League title, three Premier League championships, and two FA Cups, including one as recently as 2024. His trophy cabinet also features the FIFA Club World Cup, League Cup victories, and several Community Shield wins.
