Maurice Evans dies

Rage Online is upset to announce the death of former United manager Maurice Evans from a heart attack earlier today. Evans, 63, will be best known to United fans as the man who led the club to victory at Wembley in the 1986 Milk Cup Final, and for his humility exemplified by the way he sent physiotherapist Ken Fish up the steps to collect his medal in his stead. Evans managed Oxford for the majority of the three seasons the club was in the old Division One, but was associated with United both before and for many years after his stint as boss.
Evans was a local man, born in Didcot on 22nd September 1936 and he made over 400 League appearances for his first club, Reading. His managerial career began as player-manager at Andover Town, and he was also in charge at Shrewsbury and then Reading. He was brought to the Manor by Jim Smith after Reading sacked him in January 1984. After Smith led the club to Division One and then resigned following a dispute with Robert Maxwell, Evans was offered the position. He initially refused but after three games unbeaten, climaxing with a 5-0 victory over Leicester City, he eventually took over the manager's job permanently, although he refused a contract.
Evans resigned in March 1988, by which time the club was virtually doomed to relegation, not having won since mid-November, and was succeeded by Mark Lawrenson. Evans became the club's General Manager, which included the duties of Chief Scout and Youth Development Officer. He remained in that role until he left the club in November last year, when he rejoined Reading.
Rage Online would like to offer our condolences to Evans' family and his many friends. He will be fondly remembered by United supporters, not just for the Milk Cup victory but also for the large number of excellent players who graced the Manor as a direct result of Evans' scouting ability.