The 2024/25 season is yet to begin properly for Manchester United, but for one star, things are already looking ahead to the future.
United will take to the pitch to kick off their competitive return to football with the Community Shield final, after which Fulham awaits in the Premier League curtain raiser.
With a new Europa League format, multiple cup competitions, and the league, Erik ten Hag can’t afford to have the repeat of last season’s injury issues.
However, an unexpected byproduct of those issues was that it gave rise to some heroes not many thought was possible, one of whom impressed fans the most.
Man Utd star on his future
He came in as the emergency backup and the elder statesman of the side, but ended up making more than 30 appearances, won the FA Cup, and earning a contract extension.
United might not have fully enjoyed last season, but for Jonny Evans, it was a dream come true and something he couldn’t have envisioned when he returned to the club.
Now, after extending his stay, he already confirmed that he would have retired had he not been offered an extension.
However, in his latest comments in an interview with MUTV, he says even another extension might not be enough for him to change his mind now.
He hinted at retirement at the end of the season, regardless of how it ends, by saying the team is always aiming for trophies and for him, “that’s the last one to think about”.
He said: “I’ve been lucky, but you always remember the last one, don’t you? I think it will stick in the memory for a long time, and hopefully, we can get another one this year, and then that’s the last one to think about.”
A well-deserved send-off
Evans’ career is an example of how far professionalism and determination can take you and how important leadership is in a dressing room.
The Northern Ireland international has never been tipped for greatness or considered among the best centre-backs of his era, but his importance to the teams he has played for is undeniable.
When players much younger than him were falling around him last season, he stepped up and performed an outsized role remarkably well.
The ending with the FA Cup victory to add to his list of honours was very well-deserved and United players should be driven to send him off on a high with another trophy or two this season.
It is the least Evans deserves after being such a sterling servant to the game of football and this club for such a long time.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
