MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football.
The 32-year-old has not played since leaving Old Trafford at the end of the 2022-23 season.
His last appearance came 12 months earlier in a 3-0 victory over Brentford, making it more than two years since his kicked a ball.
Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday: “My career finished shorter than I would have liked.
“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, who won 27 England caps, joined United from Blackburn in 2011 but struggled with numerous injuries throughout his career.
During his 12 years at the United, Jones won the 2013 Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson‘s final campaign as manager.
He 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.”
He assumed a youth coaching role at Carrington last September after his contract expired.
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The former England star made 229 appearances for United and netted £32.5million in wages, according to Capology.
Ferguson tipped him for the very top, saying: “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him.
Jones’ trophy cabinet
1 x Premier League
1 x FA Cup
1 x League Cup
1 x Europa League
1 x Community Shield
“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.
“He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.
He was well known for his unusual style of defending which often made him a figure of light-hearted fun among fans.
Supporters will remember him for his bizarre facial expressions and and one of the most unorthodox headers in football against Arsenal in 2015.