Former Manchester United defender Jones retires and sets sights on coaching

Phil Jones, a former Manchester United defender, has revealed that he is aiming for a career in management after officially announcing his retirement.

At 32, Phil Jones has officially retired from professional football, having not played since leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2022-23 season. His last appearance on the pitch was a year prior in a 3-0 victory against Brentford. Despite a career filled with promise, Jones was plagued by injuries that kept him sidelined for much of his time with United.

Jones, who earned 27 caps for England, joined Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011. Though he demonstrated considerable talent and potential, his career was often interrupted by injuries, preventing him from reaching the heights he might have otherwise achieved. Reflecting on his career, Jones admitted that it ended sooner than he would have liked, saying, “My career finished shorter than I would have liked.” However, he maintains a positive outlook, noting, “I’m glass half full. I’ve completed my A license, and I want to get out there and challenge myself in coaching.”

Jones has his sights set on a future in football management. He stated, “Ultimately, I want to take charge of a team. I am determined to get there.” This determination is evident as Jones has already taken significant steps toward his new goal by completing his coaching A license, a critical step for anyone aspiring to manage a football team.

During his 12-year tenure at Manchester United, Jones experienced significant success. He was part of the squad that won the Premier League title in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager. In addition to this, Jones also won the FA Cup in 2016, the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, and the Community Shield in both 2011 and 2013. His achievements at United reflect the high points of his career, despite the ongoing battle with injuries that shadowed his playing days.

Jones began his professional journey in football through the youth system at Blackburn Rovers, making his senior debut in 2009. His early performances caught the attention of Manchester United, leading to his transfer to the club in 2011. However, Jones’ career trajectory was repeatedly hampered by injuries, which not only affected his on-field contributions but also took a toll on his personal life. He acknowledged the impact of these setbacks, stating, “I did everything I could [to return to playing] but with so many rehabs I was coming back from, it has an effect on you and your family.”

In a candid interview in 2021, Jones described his struggles with injuries and the challenges he faced during the Covid-19 lockdown, saying he had “been through hell and back.” The emotional and physical toll of these experiences was profound, yet Jones has shown resilience in the face of adversity.

Last September, reports surfaced that Jones had returned to Manchester United in a different capacity, this time as a youth team coach. This move marked the beginning of his transition from player to coach, a role in which he hopes to continue making contributions to the sport he loves. Jones’ journey from a young talent at Blackburn to a seasoned professional at Manchester United, and now to an aspiring coach, reflects his enduring passion for football and his determination to remain involved in the game despite the challenges he has faced.