Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has returned to the club that he left this summer after the expiry of his contract in June.
Unlike Jonny Evans who returned and was given a one-year contract at Old Trafford, Jones is not back to play but to observe academy training sessions.
The 31-year-old spent 12 years at Manchester United where he made 229 appearances and scored six goals.
His career took a downhill after getting injured a couple of years ago and he dipped in form, so much so that he rarely played in his last two years at the club.
Soccer Scoop understands that Manchester United have no plans at the moment for Jones to join the coaching staff on a permanent basis.
Former players regularly engage with the academy at Old Trafford, giving a great opportunity to the young players to work with experienced ex-United players as well as helping the players with their coaching badges in case they’re pursuing a career in management.
Jones remains a free agent and with no club showing interest in his playing services at the moment. While talking to the media after leaving Manchester United, Jones admitted that the last couple of years have been difficult for him.
“It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that. My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more. And, you know, I’ve missed playing football. I missed it.” Jones said, as quoted by Mail Sport.
Club football is on pause for two weeks as players have reported to their respective countries for international duty.
