Jonny Evans Names Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs as “A Level Above the Rest” — A Touching Nod to Manchester United Greatness
Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has paid a heartfelt tribute to two of his legendary former teammates — Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs — describing them as players who operated on an entirely different level from everyone else during his time at Old Trafford.
Evans, who enjoyed two spells with the Red Devils — from 2006 to 2015, and again in 2023 — made a total of 198 appearances in his first stint and 43 in his second, winning three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two League Cups, and most recently, the FA Cup in 2024.
Reflecting on his time with Manchester United in an interview with Sky Sports, the Northern Irishman couldn’t help but single out two icons who left a lasting impression on him both on and off the pitch.
“I always thought Scholes and Giggs were on another level to the rest of the team,” Evans said.
“Even though we had world-class players, I felt like their IQ was just a little bit higher than everyone else’s.”
His comments capture the essence of what made the Sir Alex Ferguson era so special — a generation of players whose intelligence, consistency, and hunger defined not just a club, but an entire footballing culture.
From an opinion standpoint, Evans’ reflection is more than nostalgia — it’s a reminder of what made Manchester United’s golden generation truly unique. Scholes, with his unmatched vision and passing range, and Giggs, with his longevity, flair, and leadership, weren’t just stars; they were students of the game who turned every match into a masterclass.
In today’s era of high transfers and instant fame, Evans’ words feel refreshing. They remind fans that greatness isn’t only about numbers — it’s about football intelligence, humility, and influence. Scholes and Giggs didn’t just play for United; they embodied United — their mentality, their standards, their relentless pursuit of excellence.
For Evans, having shared the pitch with such legends must have been like attending the finest football university — one where every touch, every decision, and every training session was a lesson in greatness.
In a modern game that sometimes feels short on loyalty and long on hype, it’s beautiful to hear such genuine admiration — proof that the legacy of Scholes and Giggs still burns bright in the hearts of those who witnessed it firsthand. 🔴✨
