Last season, Phil Jones returned to Manchester United, but this time in a completely different role. In 2023, the former England international concluded his 12-year tenure at Old Trafford following a protracted struggle with injuries.
To the surprise of many, the seasoned center-back chose not to hang up his boots. He returned to Red Devils in September to help the academy coaching staff, and he hasn’t found a new club since.
He was seen celebrating with the under-18 team at Old Trafford, who had been under his tutelage for training sessions in recent months and had won the Premier League, PL North, and PL Cup.
According to the Mirror, United has been assisting him in getting a UEFA coaching A licence. In the meanwhile, he enrolled in the PFA’s global football sports directorship course, which is taught by former Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta and former FA technical director Les Reed.
Jones at the moment posted on social media, “Start of a new journey.” “It’s great to start the PFA Business School’s global football sports directorship course and learn new things about the game while also advancing with my A license and badges at the club that has given me so much.” eager to get going.”
Although Jones forged a fresh partnership with his former boss, Jones did not sign a coaching contract with United, and it is not the intention that he will be around for the long haul. That means his future is still up in the air.
Considering that he hasn’t formally retired yet, there might be one more season left in him on the field when the summer transfer arrives.
The Lancashire Evening Post claims he’s buying a family house in South Ribble, close to Preston, where he spent his formative years, so a move seems improbable. It is understood that he is having a sizable property built in the Longton village.
Currently, Jones resides in Cheshire, a well-liked neighbourhood among football players in the northwest. With his most recent move, it doesn’t seem like a move to a new team is in the cards right now, but he’s still keeping his options open.
Manager Adam Lawrence welcomed Phil’s efforts with the under-18 team, saying in December to the Manchester Evening News, “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.” He interacts with the under-14 and under-18 age groups as well, giving him a taste of the various age groups at the academy.
However, he’s been fantastic for us. His background and accomplishments here clearly indicate that he is a member of the club, and I believe that the players can benefit from not only his knowledge and skill sets but also his ability to learn new things.
“But also some of the things they’re going through off the field. It could be team selection, game preparation, nutrition, or diet. He has brought significant value in a different way.”