23. Jonny Evans

	Position:	Defender
	Appearances:	41
	Goals:	0
	Joined United:	01 July 2004
	Contract Expiry:	Unknown
	International:	Northern Ireland

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Biography

A young defender of whom much is predicted, Evans returned to United in the summer of 2007 in the hope of challenging for a first-team place at Old Trafford after a promising spell on loan at Sunderland.

But Evans did not get the chances he hoped for, eventually being reunited with Roy Keane again for a second loan spell in January 2008.

A central defender who has played at full-back for his country, he is a product of United’s Academy. Like many United youngster he spent time at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, playing in Belgium for the first half of the 2006/7 season.

Like pal Danny Simpson he returned to England as a loanee to Sunderland, and he became a key player in Roy Keane’s successful push for promotion.

After Evans won Sunderland Young Player of the Year, Keane hoped to extend his loan for the 2007/8 season but Sir Alex Ferguson chose to recall him to Old Trafford.

Evans was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in September 2006, making his debut in a memorable 3-2 victory over Spain.

In January 2008, Evans rejoined Sunderland on loan for the second time, and was immediately drafted into the first team squad.

Ferguson recalled him again for the 2008/09 season and Evans impressed in filling the void left by an injured Rio Ferdinand. While unlikely to dislodge Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic from the first-team, Evans is a more than capable replacement and excellent squad player.