Jonny Evans has stepped down from his role as head of loans and pathways at Manchester United after just over five months.
The 37-year-old took over the position in the summer after retiring from playing but has since decided the role was not right for him at this time in his life.
Evans, who made 241 appearances for United over two spells with the club, has decided that he wants to take the opportunity to spend more time with his family.
He has three children with wife Helen, who works for United as a presenter for MUTV, the club’s official television station.
Evans plans to enjoy some time off before deciding what to do next. There is understood to have been no fall out behind the scenes with his departure described as “amicable” by multiple sources.
The loans and pathways role is a key one in terms of deciding which players should go out on loan and where and when.
The lead in that position is then responsible for tracking their progress while they are on loan and keeping in regular dialogue with the player.
Evans won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his 20-year association with United.
He left the club in 2015 in a £8m move to West Bromwich Albion after becoming surplus to requirements under Louis van Gaal.
He subsequently moved to Leicester City, with whom he won the FA Cup, before returning to United in 2023, initially on a short-term contract before quickly winning over Erik ten Hag and earning a one-year deal that was later renewed for another 12 months.
Evans also won 107 caps for Northern Ireland.
After he was named as head of loans in the summer, Evans said: “I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential.
“Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development.
“I am excited to help further develop the pathway to our first team and continue the legacy of young players thriving at Manchester United.”
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox had said: “Having just finished his exceptional playing career, Jonny is the perfect role model for our young players.
“Jonny’s knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Manchester United will be of great benefit to each of them as we continue to develop world-class talent capable of performing in our first team.”