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We've known all summer that Jonny Evans was probably leaving Manchester United, and the club have today confirmed that the Northern Irishman will be heading to West Bromwich Albion. There he will rejoin former United legends Darren Fletcher and, er, Ben Foster and be managed by Tony Pulis, which is probably any central defender's dream.
Evans leaves United having made 198 appearances for the club over eight seasons, and picked up three Premier League titles in the process. While the last few seasons have been frustrating and injury-riddled, it's worth remembering that at one point he looked as though he was going to make a worthy successor to whichever of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic ended up leaving first.
His departure, along with the loan of Tyler Blackett to Celtic, leaves United with just four recognised central defenders at the club — Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Paddy McNair — plus whatever cover Daley Blind and Michael Carrick are able to provide. Not that Blind's been bad so far. But given the injury-proneness of Jones and the youth of McNair, it's possible that United might look to reinforce at the back in the next few days.
Or not. Who knows. Anyway, best of luck in the Black Country, Mr Evans. United made you this lovely collage. Look, there's you playing against your new club!
Good luck to Jonny Evans from everyone at #mufc following his permanent move to West Bromwich Albion. pic.twitter.com/BxDW0UXWEZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 29, 2015