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

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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.

Former Man United defender Phil Jones has revealed he has retired from professional football

The former United and England centre-back added 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' U14 and U18 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.

'It was disappointing obviously but it's easy to look at it glass half empty. [I'm] glass half full. [I have] completed my A license last season, worked with the U18s which was really good. Valuable experience, I enjoyed it. 

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'Ultimately I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I fancy myself going into the coaching and taking charge of a team.

'I know the steps to get there and I'm willing to take that'. 

When asked if he was officially retired, Jones said: 'Yeah. I think it was pretty obvious that I struggled towards the end of my career. I gave everything I've got. Left no stone unturned and unfortunately it ended how it did'.

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.

The defender also made 27 appearances for his national team, taking to the pitch three times in major tournaments

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 made the switch to Old Trafford in 2011 after a successful spell at Blackburn Rovers

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

'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.