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Harry Maguire explains why Jonny Evans is the most underrated player he’s ever played with

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Harry Maguire named Manchester United first-team coach Jonny Evans as the most underrated player he has ever played with.

At the end of the 2024/25 season, Jonny Evans hung up his boots after a second spell at Manchester United.

Evans was initially appointed as a loans manager at United, responsible for overseeing temporary deals and checking in on each player while they’re away from the club.

That didn’t last very long. Evans stepped away from the loan manager role, but returned in January to help Darren Fletcher (caretaker head coach) with first-team training before Michael Carrick decided to add his former teammate to his United coaching staff alongside Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion.

Jonny Evans hugging Harry Maguire, celebrating against FC Porto
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

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Harry Maguire says Jonny Evans was underrated as a footballer

While most people were happy to see Evans back amongst United’s first team, Roy Keane took issue with it.

That was before results drastically improved under Carrick. Now, the head coach is looking forward to the 2026/27 season with the same coaches involved, aiming to continue what they started at Old Trafford in January.

However, before becoming a coach, Evans made 241 appearances for United throughout two separate spells at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire has spoken highly of partnering Evans in defence – not just for United, but they were also teammates at Leicester City.

When asked to name the most underrated player he’s ever played with, Maguire picked out Evans, as per SPORTD via TikTok.

“I think he’s had an amazing career,” Maguire said.

“Obviously, so many caps for Northern Ireland. Took them far in tournaments as well. Done amazing for this club [United].

“When I played with him at Leicester, and at this club, when he came back when he was 34/35 years old. You could tell he still had great attributes to be a top defender.”

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Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Jonny Evans’ complete trophy haul

The first senior trophy Evans won was at Sunderland, after agreeing to join the Black Cats on loan in the January transfer window until the end of the 2006/07 season.

Linking up with former United captain Keane, who was Sunderland manager at the time, Evans won the Championship title and won the club’s Youth Player of the Year award for his performances.

Evans went on to win three Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup at United.

At Leicester City, Evans lifted the FA Cup for the first time in his career.