Jonny Evans

Jonathan Grant "Jonny" Evans (born 2 January 1988) is a Northern Ireland association football Defender (association football) Centre back who currently plays for Manchester United F.C. in the Premier League. Evans was born in Belfast and started Jonny Evans career at Greenisland FC, where Jonny Evans was spotted by Manchester United scouts. Jonny Evans progressed through Manchester United F.C. Reserves & Academy to play in several foreign tours in the summer of 2006. Jonny Evans then went on loan to Royal Antwerp FC and had two spells with Sunderland A.F.C.. Jonny Evans made Jonny Evans Manchester United first team debut in the 2007-08 in English football Football League Cup and, became a regular first-team squad member the following season.

Career

Evans was scouted while playing for Greenisland FC, the same club that Jonny Evans brother, Corry, and Craig Cathcart played for before moving to Manchester United. At the age of nine, Jonny Evans was invited to attend the Manchester United Centre of Excellence in Belfast, before being invited for a trial in Manchester a year later. Rule changes within The Football Association at the time meant that clubs were limited to players who lived within an hour and a half of the club, so Evans' opportunities were limited. However, the Evans family soon relocated to Manchester, allowing Jonny to train with Manchester United full-time. Evans progressed through Manchester United's Academy, featuring in two of the club's three games during the 2006 summer tour of South Africa, as well as domestic friendlies against Celtic F.C. and Preston North End F.C.. Evans also made a surprise appearance in the Amsterdam Tournament against AFC Ajax. Evans spent the first half of the 2006-07 in English football on loan at Manchester United's Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp FC, alongside fellow youngsters Darron Gibson, Danny Simpson and Fraizer Campbell.

Sunderland

In December 2006, Evans agreed to join Sunderland A.F.C. on loan until the end of the 2006–07 season, with Manchester United and Antwerp team-mate Danny Simpson joining on a similar deal in the January transfer window. The pair helped Sunderland clinch the Football League Championship title, with Evans winning the club's "Youth Player of the Year" award at the end of the season. Although manager Roy Keane was hopeful of re-signing Evans on loan following promotion to the Premiership, it was confirmed in June 2007 that Evans would be staying at Manchester United to push for a place in the first team.

On 4 January 2008, Evans rejoined Sunderland on loan for the second time, and was immediately drafted into the first team squad. Evans played the 90 minutes in Jonny Evans first game, losing 3-0 to Wigan Athletic F.C. in the FA Cup. Evans was criticised for granting Wigan the second goal of the game, for which Jonny Evans lost the ball on the edge of Jonny Evans own box, resulting in a deflected own goal by Paul McShane. Jonny Evans half-season with Sunderland was generally successful, however, and the team avoided relegation.

Manchester United

Evans made Jonny Evans Manchester United debut on 26 September 2007 against Coventry City F.C. in the Football League Cup. Unfortunately, Jonny Evans debut ended in a 2–0 defeat. Jonny Evans then appeared as a late substitute for Gerard Piqué in a UEFA Champions League match at home to FC Dynamo Kyiv on 7 November 2007 to secure Manchester United's qualification to the knockout stage of the competition. Jonny Evans subsequently made Jonny Evans first Champions League start on 12 December 2007 against A.S. Roma.

Evans made Jonny Evans league debut for United against Chelsea F.C. on 21 September 2008, filling in for Nemanja Vidić who was unavailable due to suspension. The game ended 1–1. In December 2008, Evans made two substitute appearances for Manchester United at the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, including one in the final after Nemanja Vidić was sent off shortly after half time. Evans continued to deputise throughout the rest of the season, appearing in a number of league games and in the 2009 Football League Cup Final.

International

Despite having not yet made Jonny Evans senior debut for Manchester United, Evans was called up to the Northern Ireland national football team squad for the first time in September 2006, making Jonny Evans debut in the memorable 3–2 victory over Spain national football team. Evans has since retained Jonny Evans place in the squad.

Personal life

Evans' younger brother, Corry Evans, is a Manchester United F.C. Reserves & Academy midfielder.

Evans attended Belfast High School in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, before moving to Sale, Greater Manchester Education in Manchester once Jonny Evans had been signed by Manchester United. Jonny Evans holds nine General Certificate of Secondary Educations, all A- or A grades.

On 19 December 2007, BBC News Online reported that Evans had been arrested in connection to an alleged rape that occurred at the hotel where Manchester United's Christmas party was held, with a Greater Manchester Police spokesman being quoted as saying: "A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape this evening after presenting himself to police. Jonny Evans remains in custody for questioning." Jonny Evans had been bailed until 23 February 2008. On 8 March 2008, it was reported that Evans will not be prosecuted for any offence.