23. Jonny Evans

Birthdate:	02 Jan 1988
Birthplace:	Belfast, Northern Ireland
Position:	Defender
Appearances:	3
Joined United:	01 Jul 2004
United Debut:
International	N. Ireland

Belfast-born Jonathan Evans is a tall and agile centre-back. An intelligent defender, Evans combines an uncompromising physical approach with the ability to pass the ball out from the back.

He has proven himself to be strong in the tackle and dominant in the air at youth level, and in 2005/06 he made significant inroads into United’s Reserves, playing 14 matches and contributing two goals.

He was also handed a European squad number at the start of the season and has trained and travelled with the first team squad, and was in the group that went to Paris to face Lille Metropole in November 2005.


Jonny's unquestioned promise led to a shock international call-up to Lawrie Sanchez's senior Northern Ireland side at the start of the 2006/07 season.

His outstanding displays on the world stage, together with some phenomenal performances on loan for Royal Antwerp, lend credence to the whispers that Evans has what it takes to forge a career for himself in United's first team.

Evans' development certainly caught the eye of his boyhood hero Roy Keane. The Sunderland manager snapped up the youngster within days of his Antwerp loan ending.

Jonny spent the rest of the 2006/07 season at the Stadium of Light, and tasted defeat just once in 19 appearances as the Black Cats stormed into the Barclays Premier League as champions.

Evans' fine form on Wearside caught the eye of many clubs, but he looks set to spend the 2007/08 season at Old Trafford as Sir Alex looks to afford him some valuable first team football at United.