Former Man Utd defender Phil Jones announces retirement as Alex Ferguson comments reemerge

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.

Jones, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford after transferring from Blackburn Rovers, made a total of 229 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League , FA Cup, and Europa League during his tenure.

However, the former England center-back's final three seasons at United were marred by a series of long-term injuries, limiting him to just 13 appearances. After leaving as a free agent in 2023, Jones took up a coaching role with United's academy for the following season.

In an interview with the BBC on the opening weekend of the Premier League, the Blackburn-born player confirmed he was hanging up his boots to focus on a new career in coaching.

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"My career finished shorter than I would have liked," admitted Jones, who earned 27 caps for England. "But I'm a glass-half-full kind of person. I've completed my A license and I'm eager to challenge myself in the world of coaching.

"Ultimately, I want to manage a team. I am determined to get there," Jones added. "I did everything I could to return to playing, but the numerous rehabs I had to go through took a toll on me and my family."

Jones, a product of Blackburn's youth system, caught the eye of United after an impressive performance in a 1-1 draw between the two sides, which saw United clinch the title under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish boss was blown away by the young defender's exceptional talent and leadership qualities.

Jones' transfer to United in 2011 for $21.4 million came with high expectations as Sir Alex Ferguson lauded him, saying: "The way he is looking, he could be our best-ever player. 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."

Liverpool.com says: "Phil Jones provided the Premier League, and us Liverpool fans, with countless memories - mostly entertaining ones. It would be uncouth to celebrate a man's early retirement from sport because of injuries, but we can't say he'll hardly be missed either!"