Jonny Evans expressed his concern over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s choice to eliminate 250 jobs at Manchester United, noting that seeing this happen is tough since the club feels like a family and he knows many of those affected personally.
Recently, Ratcliffe initiated the formal process for these layoffs, notifying some employees that they were officially at risk, including those set to join United’s summer tour who have been told they will no longer be traveling to the US.
At 36, Evans is in the second year of his return to the club. His first stint began when he was identified at age nine, playing for the youth team in 2004, making his senior debut two years later, and departing in 2015. His wife, Helen, worked for United’s in-house television station, MUTV, for 14 years; his father, Jackie, served as an academy coach; and his brother, Corry, played in the youth team from age 15 to 20.
As United’s largest single minority shareholder, Ratcliffe oversees the football department and has appointed Omar Berrada as CEO, Dan Ashworth as sporting director, and Jason Wilcox as technical director. Following Erik ten Hag’s team’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, Evans was asked if he sensed more organization within the club.
“They have a vision for the structure, but as someone who has been at the club for a long time — despite having a period away — seeing many individuals at risk of losing their jobs over the past few weeks has been hard,” he stated. “The new owners feel this is the direction they need to take, but it hasn’t been easy for everyone involved.”
When asked how players react when someone with a long history at the club departs, Evans remarked, “There are people you’ve known for 20 years, and this comes at a time when we just left for tour. We were all caught off guard, and I’m sure things will become clearer when we return.”
“It’s been tough to see — individuals I’ve known for a very long time. One thing about being at a club like Manchester United is that everyone is fully committed. It’s a large staff, but that has always been the club’s culture.”
To Evans, the club represents family. “For a club of such magnitude, the staff turnover is significant — family members work here. My wife has worked at the club, my brother was here, my dad spent time here,” he explained. “There’s always been a sense of camaraderie, as people give their all for the club, which speaks volumes. This love for the place has been a hallmark of the club, creating a strong connection between the players and staff.”
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“The club’s foundation on the academy is significant because players grow up there and have set the culture over many years. Staff members who have been with the club throughout their journeys are promoted, and roles often transition between departments, like those in the ticket office,” he added.
“This has been the essence of our culture, forming a considerable advantage for the club. We aim to preserve this as much as we can.”
