The Significance of Jonny Evans

It is rare that a player stays their entire football career with one squad. That makes Jonny Evans’ re-signing with Manchester United all the more special. Last month, the Red Devils defender signed a new contract with the club that will see Evans remain at Old Trafford until at least 2016, and if Evans has his way, he will be there the rest of his career.
Sir Alex Ferguson considers him as “an integral part of the squad.” and why not. After Nemanja Vidic went down with a knee injury, Evans has been forced to step up and help shore the defense alongside the veteran Rio Ferdinand.
The defender stepped up in the absence of influential captain Vidic. What makes Evans run so special with the Red Devils is the fact that he has been with the club in one capacity or another since he was 9 years old. The defender has appeared in 141 games for the Devils. He debuted with the Red Devils in 2007 and has been with them since then (minus loans to Sunderland and Royal Antwerp). Evans prior contract was set to expire next year but the renewal is a boost for United.
Evans has not only been an integral part of the squad on the field, but he has represented the team admirably off the field as well. Over the last two years Jonny Evans showed off his poker skills while representing Manchester United and helping charity. He participated in, and won, the MUFC PartyPoker Challenge whose proceeds went to help a Northern Irish hospice.
Without a shadow of a doubt Evans is proud for playing for such a massive and successful club. Now that United’s lead defender are no longer young. Evans has earned the experience that makes him all but capable to replace the lead central defenders. Evans claimed:

“I have come through the academy here and developed as a player with the help of all my team-mates, the manager and the coaching staff. I would love to play here throughout the rest of my career.”

Nemanja Vidic is 31 and legendary Rio Ferdinand is 34 years old and may leave the club next summer. This inevitably amplifies the significance of Johnny Evans in the United squad who has already featured in 92 league games for the club and is still 24 years old. The defender can be a huge asset for the devils in the years to come and his wish of staying here for the rest of his career is brilliant for the United faithful.
Author: Alex Fisher