In case you missed one of the more unexpected transfers this summer, former Manchester United defender Johnny Evans is now back at the club after eight years.
And while you might expect it to seem a bit unbelievable for some fans to wrap their heads around, it turns out even his kids are struggling to believe he was ever there to begin with too.
The now-restored Northern Ireland centre-half spent eight years playing for the first team before joining West Brom in 2015, but came up through the youth ranks at Man United from the age of nine, and made his first senior appearances in the 2006/07 seasons.
However, it would seem his children – while apparently aware that he spent some time there – maybe didn’t quite realise just how much of a long-serving player he was, how much he contributed to the club, and how much he won there.
Apparently, Johnny Evans’ kids are in just as much disbelief that he plays for United again.
Speaking to MUTV, following his somewhat surprising return to the club after the best part of a decade, Evans said that it’s a dream to be able to come back after such a long time, and for his kids to be able to see him play in Red.
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“I think they know I used to play for Man United, but I don’t think they believe me in that sense,” the 26-year-old joked in his first interview since re-signing for the club on a one-year deal until June 2024.
“It’s nice that they’re going to be able to watch me.
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“My eldest was actually born during my last season at the club [2014/15], so it’d be nice to be able to take them to Old Trafford.
“For the children to see their dad running out at Old Trafford would be something special for any child, so I’m really fortunate and lucky that I get to do that”.
Erik liked what he saw from Jonny Evans on Wednesday 💪#MUFC
Evans’ last game for the Red Devils at the end of his first spell was against Crystal Palace back in 2015, and his first game back was during this year’s pre-season tour against Lyon.
While Evans obviously won’t be expecting to play that regularly, and was clearly signed as a backup centre-back, with Raphael Varane now out of action and Victor Lindelof also a potential injury concern at the moment, his addition to the squad depth will no doubt be needed with United in all four top-flight competitions this year.
He’s also opened up on how the move has revitalised him, stating that seeing all the young players has “made [him] feel very young again”, and how it helped him get back into the mindset of “trying to come into this first team every day and impress and show the manager what you can do.”
It comes as there is growing concern that the Glazers will be sticking around after all. 😬https://t.co/DK2Kow292Y
Are you happy to see the long-time servant back at the club, Reds?
Elsewhere at Man United, they suffered their worst-ever share price drop after rumours that the Glazers might no longer be selling, compounded with multiple controversies over the past few months, saw more than half a billion wiped off the club’s value.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
Danny Jones -
7th September 2023 
