Once a Red Devil, now what? Phil Jones’ unexpected post-Manchester United journey

Last Updated on 18 September 2025

Once tipped to be the future of Manchester United’s defence, Phil Jones was a familiar face at Old Trafford for over a decade.

But after his exit in 2023, the ex-England international slipped quietly out of the spotlight. Now, the former Manchester United defender has taken his career in a completely different direction. And you might be surprised to see where football has led him next.

Phil Jones graduates in Sport Directorship after retirement from football

Phil Jones has officially stepped into a new chapter after football, graduating from the PFA Business School with a Diploma in Sport Directorship.

The 33-year-old received his certificate at a ceremony held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

The former Premier League champ revealed he turned to the course after retiring in 2024. He described it as both an educational experience and a valuable networking opportunity.

According to The Sun, Jones believes the diploma has given him fresh focus and opened doors to future roles off the pitch. It also gives him the chance to become a sporting director in the future.

“When I finished playing, I asked myself, ‘Well, what do I do now?’ I like the coaching side of the game, and I’m still really ambitious about that, but I needed something else as well. This gave me a focus which is what I needed at the time.”

Injuries curtailed a once promising Manchester United career for Phil Jones

Phil Jones was once one of Manchester United’s brightest defensive prospects, breaking into the first team as a young centre-back full of potential.

Over the years, he became a reliable figure at Old Trafford, making more than 200 appearances. Jones peaked early, playing a key role in Manchester United’s 2012/13 Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

For a period, Jones was considered one of the most solid defenders in the squad, combining versatility with defensive intelligence. However, persistent injuries began to take their toll, and his appearances steadily declined.

In the final five years of his career, Jones made only 16 appearances, plagued by fitness issues preventing him from reaching the heights many expected.

Manchester United released Jones in the summer of 2023. And officially, a year later in 2024, Jones brought a bittersweet career to an end.