From centre-back to coach: Jonny Evans embraces new Man Utd role

By SABC Sport
9th April 2026

Jonny Evans has admitted his move from the pitch to the dugout had felt "natural" as he settled into life as part of Michael Carrick's coaching staff at Manchester United.

The former defender, who retired in May 2025 after a decorated career that included multiple domestic titles and the UEFA Champions League, quickly returned to the club in a new capacity. After initially overseeing loan moves for young players, he stepped into a coaching role and has since become a regular figure on the training ground.

Speaking about the transition, Evans said: "It's been really good. I've known Michael a long time, so coming in with him and the rest of the staff has been easy. The club feels like home, so day to day just feels natural.

"From a coaching point of view, I'm learning every day. Your mind starts thinking differently and I've really enjoyed that."

Evans now works alongside familiar faces, including Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, but admitted coaching former team-mates initially felt unusual.

"The first few days were a bit strange," he said. "You go from playing alongside someone like Harry Maguire to suddenly coaching him. That dynamic changes quickly.

"But once you get past that, it becomes natural. You still have conversations about the game, just from a different perspective."

He also highlighted the shift in relationships with players such as Luke Shaw, whom he had known since the full-back first arrived at the club as a teenager.

"It probably took a couple of weeks to adjust," Evans added. "After that, everything started to flow."

With United preparing for their return to action after a break in fixtures, Evans explained how the coaching staff had focused on maintaining intensity in training despite the lack of matches.

"Players and fans thrive on matchdays," he said. "When you don't have games for a while, it can be difficult to keep that edge.

"We gave the players a few days off after the internationals, and now we're building towards the final stretch. We're breaking it into small blocks of games to stay focused."

United's next test comes against Leeds United in the Premier League on 13 April at Old Trafford, as Carrick's side look to finish the season strongly.