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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Jones confirms retirement from football</li><li>Defender has ended an injury-plagued career</li><li>Is determined to become a head coach</li></ul>

Sad end for Phil Jones as forgotten Man Utd man finally confirms retirement after injury-plagued career to pursue new challenge

Premier League

Ipswich

The defender left United last year on a free transfer after 12 years with the club and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/phil-jones-new-career-choice-man-utd-contract/blt4b669905858587a8" target="_blank">spent the last 12 months as a free agent coaching the Under-18s</a>. At the age of 32, though, he told BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday that his playing days are over.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 27-time England international joined United from Blackburn aged 19 and enjoyed one full season as a regular starter under Sir Alex Ferguson before injuries started to limit his time in the Red Devils first team. In the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, he managed just 18 appearances and then just two the following year. He was absent for the entirety of the 2020-21 season and then played a miniscule role the season after that. His last game in professional football was a 15-minute appearance in a 3-0 win against Brentford in May 2022.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"The career finished shorter than what I would have liked," he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It was disappointing obviously, but it's easy to look at it glass half-empty, so glass half-full view on it at the minute. I completed my A-licence last season, worked with the 18s a little bit, which was really good, valuable experience. I enjoyed it. Ultimately, I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I fancy myself going into coaching and ultimately taking charge of a team. I know the steps to get there and I'm willing to take that and I'm determined to get there."

WHAT JONES SAID

Jones came through the Blackburn Rovers youth academy, initially joining as a 10-year-old before he became a first-team star for the club. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-sg/lists/phil-jones-remembered-man-utd-more-than-memes/blt9985ce6346ac1a88" target="_blank">After just two impressive years in the Premier League, United came calling and snapped him up and he went on to win one top-flight title as well as FA Cup and Europa League crowns</a>.

DID YOU KNOW?

The defender has confirmed that his plan is to pursue a career in coaching. Having already gained some experience and earned his licence already, he is already on that path.

WHAT NEXT FOR JONES?

Sad end for Phil Jones as forgotten Man Utd man finally confirms retirement after injury-plagued career to pursue new challenge | Goal.com

Former Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones has confirmed his retirement from football, bringing an end to an injury-plagued career.