Phil Jones has retired from football aged 32, after spending a year without a playing club since his contract with Manchester United expired in 2023. The defender confirmed his decision in a conversation with BBC 5 Live Sport.
The former central defender is now looking to step into coaching, and is working with Under-18s at Carrington, having returned last September. Now, he intends to pursue coaching full-time and is done with his playing days.
Phil Jones confirms he has retired from football
🚨Former Red Phil Jones has announced he has retired from playing! @5livesport
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) August 17, 2024
He now wants to pursue a coaching career after working with the Under-18s last season! #mufc pic.twitter.com/ymnQZ89XXC
The defender joined United in 2011 from Blackburn, and was expected to become one of the top defenders to come out of England. However, injuries hampered his progress significantly and prevented him from reaching his full potential.
He made 229 appearances across all competitions for the club, and won the Premier League trophy in 2013. While he made a brief appearance last season, he was never in contention to return to the squad under Erik Ten Hag.
It now remains to be seen whether the 32-year-old can step up in a coaching role and become the manager of a senior team over the coming years.
