Manchester United are set to bid farewell to a couple of long-serving players at the end of this season.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reports that a minimum of 10 permanent departures are anticipated.
Johnny Evans and Tom Heaton have both been included in the 10 departing players and will announce their retirement from professional football.
Both players have played pivotal roles at the club, with Johnny Evans spending a significant part of his career at Old Trafford and Tom Heaton contributing with his leadership and experience.
Johnny Evans, 35, has enjoyed a remarkable career at Manchester United, first joining the club’s youth system in 2004.
After a series of successful loan spells, including stints at Sunderland and Norwich City, Evans made his breakthrough into the first team under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was part of the highly successful United teams that won numerous Premier League titles, FA Cups, and other honours.
Evans’ ability to read the game and his calmness under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in England at one stage.
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However, his time at United came to an end in 2015 when he moved to West Bromwich Albion.
After five years at The Hawthorns, Johnny Evans left the club and spent a brief period at Leicester City before returning to Old Trafford in 2023.
His return was met with enthusiasm from fans, as he rejoined the club in a mentor role for the younger defenders, including Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez.
Evans’ leadership and experience have been invaluable, even in a more limited role.
Tom Heaton, 39, has also spent two stints at Manchester United.
Joining the club as a teenager in 2002, Tom Heaton was part of the academy before moving to Cardiff City in 2010 for regular first-team football.
After a career that included spells at Burnley and Aston Villa, Heaton returned to Old Trafford in 2021.
While his appearances have been limited, Heaton’s experience and guidance, particularly for the young goalkeepers, have been crucial in maintaining stability within the squad.
Both Evans and Heaton have served as reliable backups, offering support to the starting XI and playing key roles in the dressing room.
Their professionalism and experience have been crucial, especially in the development of younger players at United.
The departing of a significant number of players has signalled a new chapter for Manchester United as they continue to rebuild for future success.
However, the departure of these two veterans marks the end of an era for United’s squad.
As the season draws to a close, fans will undoubtedly reflect on the contributions of Evans and Heaton, both of whom leave the club after years of loyal service.
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Source: Centred Devils
