Phil Jones has announced his new career move after leaving Manchester United as a free agent this summer.
The 31-year-old announced on social media on Tuesday that he has enrolled on a PFA Global Football Sport Directorship course and confirmed he is currently in the process of obtaining his coaching badges.
“Beginning of a new journey,” he wrote on social media as the caption to a series of photos of himself coaching United’s youth teams.
‘Great to be starting the global football sports director course at the PFA business school, learning new things about the game, while also continuing with my A license and badges with the club that has given me so much.
‘I’m looking forward to getting started.’
Phil Jones is currently doing his coaches badges at Manchester United
Your browser does not support iframes.
Jones left United after his contract expired earlier this summer after 12 years at the club.
The former England international has since returned to Carrington to attend United youth team training sessions.
Sources close to United insist there are no plans for Jones to join the coaching staff on a permanent basis.
Former players regularly come into contact with the Old Trafford academy, which gives young players a great opportunity to work with experienced ex-United players.
Jones remains a free agent and could sign for a new club outside the transfer window.
The defender has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and has made just 13 appearances in all competitions over the past three seasons, not playing a single minute last term.
His last Premier League start came in April last year, when United were beaten 4-0 at Anfield towards the end of Ralf Rangnick’s ill-fated spell at Old Trafford.
“It’s been very difficult over the last few years,” said Jones, who made 229 appearances for United and scored six goals, after leaving the 20-time England champions.
The former United defender revealed he has signed up for a sporting director course
Jones was spotted watching United’s youth teams in action this summer
That cannot be denied.
‘You can’t hide from that.
“My family has definitely played an important role in keeping me on track and focused, getting fit and playing more.
‘And you know, I missed playing football. I missed it.’