Former Man United defender Phil Jones confirms he has RETIRED from professional football – as he announces his next role

Phil Jones has revealed he has retired from professional football as the former Manchester United and England centre-back added that he wants to pursue a career in coaching.

The 32-year-old assumed a role on the sidelines last September when he began assisting the Red Devils’ under-14 and under-18 teams, working under lead coach Adam Lawrence.

The defender, who often showed his versatility by filling in at full-back or in midfield, made 229 appearances in an injury-hit 12 years at the club.

Jones was part of the team which won the Premier League in 2012-13, as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson walked away after 27 years at the club, and in the next decade added a Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup to his trophy cabinet.

But now the Premier League icon, whose unusual style of defending often made him a figure of light-hearted fun among fans, has hung up his boots for the final time, revealing the news during an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The former Manchester United and England centre-back added that he wants to pursue a career in coaching 

The 32-year-old assumed a role on the sidelines last September when he took charge of the Red Devils’ under-14 and under-18 teams 

Jones was part of the team which won the Premier League in 2012-13 in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season

‘My career finished shorter than I would have liked,’ he said.

‘[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.’

Jones has not played a match since featuring in a 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of the 2021-22 season.

The defender, who moved to Old Trafford from Blackburn in 2011, also made 27 appearances for his national team, taking to the pitch three times in major tournaments.

He featured in the Three Lions’ goalless draw against Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup and in two defeats to Belgium in the 2018 World Cup – one in the group stage and another in the third place play-off. 

Shortly after the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Jones confirmed he had enrolled on a PFA global football sport directorship course and confirmed was doing his coaching badges – including the work at United.

‘Start of a new journey,’ he wrote on social media with a series of pictures showing him coaching United youth teams.

‘Great to begin the global football sport directorship course with the PFA business school, learning new things about the game, whilst also continuing to push ahead with my A licence and badges at the club that gave me so much.

‘Excited to get started.’

Sources close to United insisted last year there were no plans for Jones to join the coaching staff on a permanent basis.

Former players regularly engage with the academy at Old Trafford, giving an opportunity to the young players to work with experienced ex-players.