The defender left United on a free transfer last year after a 12-year stint with the club and has spent the past year coaching the Under-18s. At 32, he announced on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday that his playing career has come to an end.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 27-time England international moved to United from Blackburn at 19 and was a regular starter under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, injuries reduced his appearances with the Red Devils. He played only 18 Premier League matches in the 2018-19 season and just two the following year. He was sidelined for the entire 2020-21 season and had a minimal role the next year. His last professional match was a brief appearance in a 3-0 win over Brentford in May 2022.
Jones’s Comments
“My career ended sooner than I had hoped,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s definitely disappointing, but I’m choosing to see it positively. Last season, I completed my A-licence and spent some time coaching the Under-18s, which was very rewarding. I enjoyed it a lot. I’m eager to return to the field in a new capacity. I aim to pursue a coaching career and eventually lead a team. I understand the necessary steps and am both ready and motivated to achieve that.”
