Why Phil Jones is working at Manchester United again in the 2024/25 season
Former Man Utd player Phil Jones made a return to Carrington last season and is still involved with the club.
Phil Jones' role in Manchester United's academy has been extended into the new season.
Jones played a role in the Under-18s' outstanding treble-winning 2023/24 campaign after joining Adam Lawrence's backroom staff while studying for his coaching badges.
The former defender, who spent 12 years at United, wasn't employed by the club, but it was seen as a mutually beneficial role with Jones gaining valuable coaching experience and academy players getting the opportunity to learn from someone who made 288 career appearances.
Jones officially announced his retirement from playing in August. He declared his intention to go into coaching and his arrangement with United has continued into the new season.
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The details of the arrangement remain the same, so Jones is not on a United contract and it's a part-time role that sees him mostly doing matchdays and taking a few training sessions.
United's U18s enjoyed a special season last term, winning three trophies and two at the expense of rivals Manchester City, and Jones is continuing to spend time with that group.
The U18s have won each of their five league games and suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend, almost completing a comeback but losing 4-3 against Tottenham.
The Manchester Evening News interviewed U18 manager Lawrence in December and he was full of praise for Jones. "It's been great with Phil, he is with us weekly. He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy," he said.
"But for us, he's been great. He's obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he's done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off-the-field stuff and what they're going through - whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.
"Myself and Colin have really appreciated him being involved in the programme and he's added some real value in a different way. Hopefully, we've given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he's been of massive value and he'll continue to do that as well."
Jones spoke to Ladbrokes in June and discussed his coaching. "I've matured as the years have gone on, and I've enjoyed everything I've done since retiring," he said. "You know, getting my A licence in coaching, I've loved getting involved, I've helped out with the U18s at United this year.
"That's been brilliant for me. I've really got that urge now to get back out there and make my own pathway for the next stage of my career. I certainly have my own aspirations of going into management. I've played under some incredible managers who have given me so much knowledge.
"I've learned so much from every one of them. It's experience that you can't buy. I enjoy working with players, working with young lads, being on the pitch, in and around the squad. I'm going to apply for my pro licence in the next few weeks, which hopefully I'll be able to do soon."
Jones joined United for £16million in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and won the Premier League in the following season, which was Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign in charge.
The 32-year-old also won the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup during his time at United.