Phil Jones returns to Man Utd as axed defender 'excited' to pursue new role

Posted Wednesday, September 27, 2023 by Express.co.uk

Phil Jones was released by Manchester United this summer after 12 years with the club.

Former England centre-back Phil Jones has returned to Manchester United as part of his global football sport directorship course with the PFA. The 31-year-old, who was released upon the expiry of his contract in June, posted a statement on social media outlining his new goals.

Jones has been out of work since his stint at United fizzled out earlier this summer. The former Blackburn Rovers academy prospect has barely played any first-team football since 2018/19 as injuries wreaked havoc on his career.

With no appearances in his farewell season at Old Trafford, Jones' departure was an inevitability in June. And other clubs have so far proven reluctant to take a chance on the Preston-born defender, who has 27 England caps on his CV.

Now, the player has taken to Instagram to share details of his new beginning, which has seen him return to United training as part of his PFA course and coaching badges.

Phil Jones returns to Man Utd as axed defender 'excited' to pursue new role
Phil Jones is back at Man Utd as part of his PFA course (Image: GETTY)

"Start of a new journey," he wrote. "Great to begin the global football sport directorship course with the PFA business school, learning new things about the game, whilst also continuing to push ahead with my A licence and badges at the club that gave me so much. Excited to get started."

Early in his stint with the Red Devils, Jones was a regular fixture under Sir Alex Ferguson. United shelled out a hefty £16million to sign him from Blackburn back in 2011, and he went on to notch over 200 first-team appearances, picking up four pieces of major silverware along the way.

Jones is still five months short of his 32nd birthday and he has not formally announced his retirement from professional football. He was spotted at United's academy facilities back in August to observe a number of training sessions, while the club have dismissed rumours that he will join the Under-18s in a coaching capacity.

At the end of last season, Jones penned an emotional open letter to fans, which read: "To wear this shirt just once, to wear this badge and represent everyone associated with it, was an honour. I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played alongside. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked of me.

"I never left a stone unturned in the pursuit of living my dream and representing Manchester United on the pitch. I spent some difficult days away from my family, rehabilitating and recovering away from everyone, recuperating away from the training pitch, which I was desperate to get back to.

"I lived a dream at the biggest club in the world. I played for England in major tournaments. At United, I won trophies, most notably the Premier League under Sir Alex, in his final season. I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me at Manchester United, where I’ve made friends for life."