Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has revealed that he never forgot the message from his father after Sir Alex Ferguson achieved an incredible feat at the club.
Jonny Evans came through the Manchester United youth academy and was tipped for a bright future at Old Trafford by legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his first spell at United, the 36-year-old Red Devils centre-back lifted three Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups under Ferguson.
However, Evans later fell down the pecking order under former United manager Louis van Gaal and the veteran defender signed for West Brom in 2015.
The United star made 96 appearances for West Brom before he signed for Leicester City in 2018, with Evans previously serving as captain for both West Brom and Leicester.
Evans on Man Utd and his father
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Jonny Evans opened up about his close connection to the club and how he ended up supporting the Red Devils.
The Northern Ireland international said he supported United since the 1990s and holds fond memories of Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic treble win in the 1998-99 season.
Evans recalled his father’s reaction after United legend Ferguson led the Premier League club to a continental treble, saying it is a memory he can never forget.
“I suppose for me, my earliest memories of supporting United were around ‘99,” he said on an upcoming episode of the UTD Podcast.
“And maybe a bit before that, like ‘96. But when I really got engrossed was that ‘99 season when everything kind of took off.
“[I was] 10 [or] 11. I went down to my auntie’s house to watch the match [the 1999 Champions League final] and my dad was at the pub with his mates watching the game.
“I can remember as soon as the final whistle went, everyone is on the street kicking the ball pretending to be this player or that player.
“I remember my dad came and woke me up in the middle of the night.
“He had obviously had a few drinks and he was like, ‘Is that not the best night of your life?’ I always remember him saying that.
“And it was, at that time. Being a Manchester United fan and witnessing that.”
Evans returns to Man Utd
Evans was released by Leicester at the end of the previous campaign and the United centre-back made his return to Old Trafford to train with the club.
The Northern Ireland defender took part in the club’s pre-season tour last summer after he inked a short-term deal and impressed current manager Erik ten Hag.
Following his successful period last summer, Ten Hag rewarded Evans with a one-year deal at United and the ex-Leicester star signed on deadline day with the club.
Evans, who will be out of contract in June, has made 20 appearances across all competitions for United and provided Ten Hag with extra experience for his backline options.
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