Phil Jones back gets new role at Old Trafford

Former England centre-back Phil Jones has returned to Manchester United as part of his global football sport directorship course with the PFA.

The 31-year-old, who was released upon the expiry of his contract in June, posted a statement on social media outlining his new goals.

Jones has been out of work since his stint at United fizzled out earlier this summer. The former Blackburn Rovers academy prospect has barely played any first-team football since 2018/19 as injuries wreaked havoc on his career.

With no appearances in his farewell season at Old Trafford, Jones’ departure was an inevitability in June. And other clubs have so far proven reluctant to take a chance on the Preston-born defender, who has 27 England caps on his CV.

Now, the player has taken to Instagram to share details of his new beginning, which has seen him return to United training as part of his PFA course and coaching badges.

Start of a new journey,” he wrote. “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.”

Early in his stint with the Red Devils, Jones was a regular fixture under Sir Alex Ferguson. United shelled out a hefty £16million to sign him from Blackburn back in 2011, and he went on to notch over 200 first-team appearances, picking up four pieces of major silverware along the way.