SAD END for Phil Jones as forgotten Man Utd man finally confirms he will be Leaving Manchester United to join this club after Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to terminate his contract

The defender departed United on a free transfer last year after 12 years with the club, and he has spent the last 12 months teaching the Under-18s. At the age of 32, he informed BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday that his playing days were finished.

Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 27-time England international joined United from Blackburn at the age of 19 and played a full season as a regular starter under Sir Alex Ferguson until injuries limited his time in the Red Devils’ first squad. He made just 18 Premier League games in 2018-19, and only two the following year. He missed the full 2020-21 season and then played only a minor role the next season. His final professional game was a 15-minute appearance in a 3-0 victory against Brentford in May 2022.

What Jones Said
“The career concluded shorter than I would have liked,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was definitely sad, but it is easy to look at it from a glass half-empty perspective, so I am taking a glass half-full approach right now. Last season, I finished my A-licence and worked with the 18s for a short period of time, which was really beneficial and important. I enjoyed it. Finally, I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I would like to pursue a coaching career and eventually lead a squad. I know the steps I need to take, and I am ready and motivated to get there.”