Jonny Evans has highlighted Sir Alex Ferguson’s elite mentality after sharing what the legendary former Manchester United manager told him in a “quick phone call.”
The 36-year-old United defender came through the club’s youth academy and received his first-team debut under Ferguson during his first spell at Old Trafford.
Evans won three Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups under Ferguson before the 82-year-old Scotsman retired from football in 2013.
The veteran United centre-back’s first run at the Premier League club came to an end in 2015 and went on to play for the likes of West Brom and Leicester City.
Evans was released by Leicester at the end of the previous season and was brought back to Old Trafford by current United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Northern Ireland international had initially signed a short-term deal with United and took part in the Red Devils’ pre-season campaign last summer.
Evans would sign a one-year deal with United on deadline day, with the ex-West Brom and Leicester defender providing additional squad depth for Ten Hag.
Evans on Ferguson’s potent United message
Evans has established himself as a key figure under Ten Hag this season and featured regularly for the Red Devils amid injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez.
The United star, who is out of contract in the summer, has made nine starts in 12 Premier League appearances this season and impressed in the heart of defence.
Evans was one of eight academy players who played in United’s sensational 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford in December.
Ferguson prided himself on giving United’s talented youth a chance during his legendary 26-year reign and stressed the importance of that to Evans.
Evans revealed that he chatted with the iconic Scot on the phone and how Ferguson highlighted the important connection between the club and the youth academy.
When asked if he had a sense of pride about the comeback win against Villa, Evans told United’s official website: “Totally, and I think it is a big part of this club. It has been the history of this club.
“I actually spoke to Sir Alex, a month or two ago, just a quick phone call, and it is one of the things that came up, the history of the club and academy players, how it’s a big belief at this club, to give young players a chance.
“I don’t think that is ever going to change. I think it is always going to be the way here.”
Evans on importance of United academy
Evans is keen to support United’s youth talent in the same way that he had the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs to look up to during his first spell.
“It’s a nice place to be. I think the young lads respect me,” he added.
“You know, I don’t feel like I am one to force my opinions but if somebody asks for my advice, I am always glad to give it.
“I love seeing the young academy lads coming up and being involved in first-team training.
“It has been really nice to be an academy player but obviously, in a strange way, at a senior level.
“I suppose I can always relate back to when I was coming into the first team as a young lad.
“We had players like Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and other academy players.
“It has made me realise the feeling and connection that they had for us at the time.”
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