Sad end for Phil Jones as forgotten Man Utd man finally confirms retirement after injury-plagued career to pursue new challenge

The defender left United last year on a free transfer after 12 years with the club and spent the last 12 months as a free agent coaching the Under-18s. At the age of 32, though, he told BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday that his playing days are over.

The 27-time England international joined United from Blackburn aged 19 and enjoyed one full season as a regular starter under Sir Alex Ferguson before injuries started to limit his time in the Red Devils first team. In the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, he managed just 18 appearances and then just two the following year. He was absent for the entirety of the 2020-21 season and then played a miniscule role the season after that. His last game in professional football was a 15-minute appearance in a 3-0 win against Brentford in May 2022.

"The career finished shorter than what I would have liked," he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It was disappointing obviously, but it's easy to look at it glass half-empty, so glass half-full view on it at the minute. I completed my A-licence last season, worked with the 18s a little bit, which was really good, valuable experience. I enjoyed it. Ultimately, I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I fancy myself going into coaching and ultimately taking charge of a team. I know the steps to get there and I'm willing to take that and I'm determined to get there."

Jones came through the Blackburn Rovers youth academy, initially joining as a 10-year-old before he became a first-team star for the club. After just two impressive years in the Premier League, United came calling and snapped him up and he went on to win one top-flight title as well as FA Cup and Europa League crowns.

The defender has confirmed that his plan is to pursue a career in coaching. Having already gained some experience and earned his licence already, he is already on that path.