Former Manchester United defender, Phil Jones, has officially announced his retirement from professional football and expressed his ambitions of pursuing a career in coaching.
Before his exit from Manchester United, Phil Jones, now 32, last appeared in a match 12 months ago in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Brentford. The rare appearance came after he was sidelined at Old Trafford since the 2022-2023 season due to fitness issues.
While his football career was marred by injuries, Jones, who earned 27 caps for England, remains optimistic about his future in coaching.
Having completed his A license, he is determined to challenge himself in coaching and aspires to lead a football club.
“My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” Phil Jones told BBC.
“[I’m] glass half full. [I have] completed my A license, and I want to get out there and challenge myself in coaching.
“Ultimately I want to take charge of a team. I am determined to get there.”
During his 12-year stint at Manchester United, Phil Jones achieved success by winning the 2013 Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign as manager, as well as the FA Cup in 2016, the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, and the Community Shield in 2011 and 2013.
Jones began his career at Blackburn and made his senior debut for the club in 2009 before moving to Manchester United in 2011.
