Phil Jones Announces Retirement at Age 32, Switches to Coaching Role Assisting Manchester United Youth Teams

Former Manchester United and England star Phil Jones has announced his retirement from professional football and transition into a coaching role.

Jones was part of the Manchester United squad that won the Premier League title in the 2012-13 season. During his time with the Red Devils, he also helped the team secure victories in the FA Cup (2016) and the Europa League (2017). Born in 1992, he is only 32 years old this year, but he has been away from the pitch for quite some time due to persistent injuries, particularly following knee surgery in 2020 which kept him out of action for one and a half years.

In an interview with BBC, Jones stated: “My career has ended earlier than I had hoped, which is obviously disappointing. However, every cloud has a silver lining; last season, I worked with Manchester United’s U18 team and obtained my A Licence coaching qualification, which was really great, and I enjoyed it.”

When asked if this was a formal retirement announcement, Jones confirmed: “Yes, I think it’s pretty clear. I struggled towards the end of my playing career. I gave everything I had, left nothing on the field, but unfortunately, it ends here.”

Jones’ last appearance was at the end of the 2021-22 season, and he has not played since. The defender represented England in three major tournaments: Euro 2012, the 2014 World Cup, and the 2018 World Cup. Although not always a regular starter, he fought for England over seven years, making 27 appearances.

Last season, Jones was involved with both the Manchester United U14 and U18 teams, advancing his coaching courses. Now qualified as an A Licence coach, he said: “A new journey begins. I want to get back into the game, take up the challenge, and envision myself stepping into coaching and managing a team. I know the steps required to achieve my goals, and I’m ready to take them.”

According to BBC, sources within Manchester United have indicated that there are no immediate plans to permanently include Phil Jones in the coaching staff. However, Jones will maintain regular contact with Manchester United, assisting in the development of the youth teams while gaining valuable experience for his future coaching career.