Jonny Evans has admitted that he thought his profession on the prime stage was over earlier than Manchester United got here calling.
The 35-year-old was a free agent after leaving Leicester Metropolis on the finish of final season, and started coaching with United earlier than heading on the membership’s pre-season tour of the USA.
Evans’ expertise, coupled with accidents to Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, finally noticed the veteran defender provided a one-year contract at Outdated Trafford, reuniting the Northern Irishman with United eight years after he departed for West Bromwich Albion.
He was known as upon from the beginning in United’s latest 1-0 win over Burnley, and assisted Bruno Fernandes for the one purpose of the sport after taking part in an beautiful lengthy ball excessive together with his weaker left foot.
However Evans has now admitted that he thought his days of taking part in on the prime stage have been over, given he struggled with accidents throughout his last season at Leicester.
“No, positively not,” Evans stated, requested about whether or not he thought a top-flight return was potential. “It is not a case of winding down. I believe type of folks’s careers trajectories type of find yourself that means and it’s extremely tough for a membership whenever you’re 35 years outdated to type of take an opportunity on you.
“I had a number of harm issues final 12 months as nicely, so for the membership to try this and type of see the worth in me I am very grateful to be given the chance.”
“For a 35-year-old, I suppose to come back again in – they wished me to come back again in and supply cowl – not many individuals get to try this. I do know it is going be a giant problem however, , hopefully, it is one which I can type of tackle.
“I really feel prefer it’s one which was excellent for me at this stage of my profession.”
Evans’ 17-year profession on the highest stage has earned him three Premier League titles with United, whereas he was additionally a part of the Purple Devils aspect that lifted the Champions League in 2008. He has been capped 104 occasions by Northern Eire, making him the fourth highest look maker within the nation’s historical past.