Former Man Utd star Phil Jones announces retirement aged 32 and confirms new career
Phil Jones spent 12 years at Manchester United following his move from Blackburn Rovers, helping the Red Devils to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League
Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.
The defender spent 12 years as a senior player at Old Trafford after moving from fellow top-flight side Blackburn Rovers. He made 229 appearances for the Red Devils and won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa league.
However, the ex-England centre-back managed just 13 appearances in his final three seasons at United due to a slew of long-term injuries. The defender left as a free agent in 2023, then spent the following season in a coaching role with the Red Devils’ academy.
And in an interview with the BBC on Saturday on the opening weekend of the Premier League, the former Blackburn starlet officially confirmed his playing days were behind him as he pursues a new venture in coaching.
“My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” said Jones, who won 27 caps for England. "[I'm] glass half full. [I have] completed my A licence 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 added: "I did everything I could [to return to playing] but with so many rehabs I was coming back from, it has an effect on you and your family."
A product of Blackburn’s youth system, Jones’ move to United from Blackburn materialised after the defender’s impressive performance in a 1-1 draw between the sides on the day United clinched the title under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scottish manager was reportedly impressed with the teenage defender’s precocious conviction and leadership skills. In the summer of 2011, Jones signed for United in a £16.5million deal, after which Ferguson claimed he could go on to be the club’s greatest ever player.
"The way he is looking, he could be our best ever player," Ferguson said. "He may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him. At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. He can play anywhere on the pitch. He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game."
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