Phil Jones has made a swift and surprise return to Manchester United mere months after being released by the club.
Jones signed for the Red Devils back in 2011 in a £16.5 million move from Blackburn and made 229 appearances across 12 seasons.
But he has struggled with injuries and did not make a single appearance under Erik ten Hag last term, even being omitted from the squad list on United's programme.He had come from nowhere to feature five times in the 2021/22 season but missed the entirety of the last campaign and left upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June.
Jones reacted to his departure and penned an emotional letter to the club's supporters following a difficult period.
On Tuesday news circulated that Jones was back at United as a youth coach but the reports have since been debunked by the Manchester Evening News.Instead, the outlet claims Jones is watching Under 18s training, with sources stating youngsters enjoyed having the chance to "engage with someone who has a wealth of knowledge to pass on accumulated during his successful career".
There are no plans for him to take on a role within the coaching set-up or return to the fold despite a centre-back injury crisis resulting in Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire finishing as the pairing in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
Jones is still weighing up his next move career-wise but his No.4 shirt at United has been taken by new signing Sofyan Amrabat, who has joined on loan from Fiorentina.
The number was wanted by Raphael Varane but the Frenchman, who sports the No.19, was blocked from taking it as Jones is said to have refused to give it up.Punditry could be an option for Jones, who was part of Sky Sports' coverage of Manchester United's Carabao Cup win in February and opened up about his troubles.
“I’m a strong character," he said.
"I’m doing everything I can to get out on the pitch. I love playing football it’s something I love doing, so that’s the aim.
"I have had to deal with that [the mental challenges] and I think I have. I have had a good support around me, my family, friends and especially the club. The club have been absolutely fantastic with me, I can't thank them enough and I am grateful for that."
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