Manager dismisses Manchester United defender Jonny Evans retirement claim

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has dismissed a report that claimed Manchester United defender Jonny Evans was going to retire at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old was only expected to occupy a sporadic role following his shock return to Old Trafford, but has established himself as an unlikely hero in their turbulent campaign. Evans has made 24 appearances across all competitions and will no doubt add to that tally in the final few months of the campaign.

The 'Manchester United Forever' social media account claimed on Monday that Evans had already informed his club last week of his intentions to retire at the end of the season. It remains to be seen what the veteran defender will do, but O'Neill insists no decision has been communicated to him on whether or not Evans will retire.

“I’ve just heard about it there now," O'Neill told reporters when asked about it in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Scotland.

"I don’t really give any credibility to that. Whatever decision Jonny makes I know he will tell me himself directly so it’s not something I would like to make a comment on because it seems to be just speculation.”

Evans was not included in the Northern Ireland squad for the current international break because it was in the centre-back’s ‘best interests’ to stay in Manchester as he had been nursing calf and foot injuries.