United star’s brother left stunned by ‘unbelievable’ and unexpected impact player had this season

When Jonny Evans put pen to paper on a one-year Manchester United contract last summer, nobody could’ve expected the role he’d play for the team across 2023/2024.

The Northern Ireland international was fresh off the back of being released by Leicester City, whom he captained in his final season, following their relegation to the Championship.

He had endured an injury-plagued campaign throughout the Foxes’ tumultuous term, in which they were left battling to stay afloat in the top flight before dropping to the second division on the final day, having finished in 18th.

As such, he took the chance to build his fitness back up in familiar surroundings across the pre-season break by returning to United after eight years. Evans was pictured training with the Reds at Carrington before surprisingly being named in Erik ten Hag’s squad for their tour of the United States.

Heading into the 2023/2024 campaign, the expectation was that – similar to last season – Ten Hag’s preferred centre-back partnership would be formidable duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Yet, the debilitating injury crisis that plagued the squad had something else to say about that.

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An ever-changing backline saw Evans frequently called upon to put in a shift in such vital fixtures, and as a result, he ended the campaign having racked up 30 appearances across all competitions.

The 36-year-old’s four outings in the FA Cup – including the final – ensured he claimed a winners’ medal at Wembley last Saturday, meaning he has now won every major as a Red across his two spells at Old Trafford.

Evans’ family delighted with defender’s impact

His brother, Corry Evans, spoke to the Belfast Telegraph to express his family’s pride over the veteran’s spirited season.

“I think any time Jonny was called upon, he did unbelievable,” Corry began. “I think if you asked him at the start of the season, I don’t think he would have expected to be playing in another FA Cup Final, and winning it, with Manchester United.

“But football is a strange game, and he is still showing he has the quality and the fitness and everything else that goes with it to be part of a team like that. And he’s got another medal. It is some career, and the family are immensely proud of him.”