Phil Jones will leave Manchester United at the end of June and embark on a new chapter of his life.
Jones has been at United for 12 years, having joined the club in a £16million transfer from Blackburn in the summer of 2011. The centre-back has barely featured for United over the past few years due to injuries, but it still only 31 years old.
United’s statement on his departure said he was “now taking some time before deciding his next move”. Jones has not played a competitive first-team game for United since the 3-0 win over Brentford over a year ago and has played a total of 13 matches since the end of the 2018/19 season.
Jones penned an emotional letter to the United fans in which he said: “It's about getting up from setbacks and keeping going. This is a lesson I'll push into my next challenges, for whatever lies ahead.” Here Mirror Football takes a look at what those challenges might be for the defender.
Retirement
Jones has spoken eloquently about his battles with injuries over the past few years. "I spent some difficult days away from my family, rehabilitating and recovering away from everyone, recuperating away from the training pitch, which I was desperate to get back to,” he wrote in his letter to the United fans.
“I've said before that I found it hard to even speak to my team-mates because I was hurt that I couldn't help them. I was hurt that my family couldn't see me on matchdays, and you feel like you're letting people down.”
He has not played football consistently since the 2018/19 season and, alongside his wife and two children, that he doesn’t want to put his body through anymore rehabilitation. However, there are a few intriguing other options for him.
Blackburn Rovers
The romantic move would be for Jones to move back to his boyhood club, where he made his name as a talented ball-playing centre-back. Blackburn was home for Jones, who came through the Lancashire club’s academy before shining there for two seasons.
They were in the Premier League back then, but are now a Championship side. If he can regain his fitness – and take a significant pay cut from his £120,000-a-week United wage – then Blackburn could be an option for him.
England all-rounder and Blackburn fan Liam Livingstone was one of many to urge a reunion, writing on Twitter : “Get it done @Rovers”.
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DC United
Last summer DC United were reportedly interested in signing Jones due to the opinion of Jones’ former team-mate Wayne Rooney. "Of course, we're working hard to get a few players in," Rooney said. "We can really get this club back to successful ways again, and it's going to take a lot of hard work, but that's what I'm here to do.”
The move never came to fruition, but the route to the MLS may remain open for Jones.
Salford City
Jones’ long time at Manchester United means he has lots of associates in high places. If he is willing to drop down the leagues to continue his career, then Salford could be a good option on a short-term contract.
Jones needs to prove his fitness and Salford could offer him a route back into the game. Salford are currently playing in the League Two play-offs, hoping to reach League One for the first time.
The club is owned by Project 92 Limited, whose shareholders include David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. Those United legends might be willing to offer him a chance.
Wrexham
The North Wales side have been making headlines over the past few months and will play in League Two next season following their dramatic promotion.
The backing of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney means that signing a player like Jones is not out of the question. Ben Foster was brought in for the end of this season and it is likely Wrexham will have a few more surprises up their sleeve.
