<p>Man Utd legend, Phil Jones, retires as a professional soccer player, with the former England international releasing an announcement.</p>



<p>The defender initially began his career on the pitch at Blackburn Rovers. After rising up the ranks with the Riversiders, Jones made the big move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> in the summer of 2011. The Red Devils paid Blackburn around $21 million for the center-back.</p>



<p>After initially featuring quite heavily with United, the defender eventually transitioned into a backup role with the club. </p>



<p>Part of this reason, however, was due to a series of injury issues. In fact, Jones suffered more than 20 setbacks during his 12 years with the prestigious club. As a result, the defender was forced to remain on the sidelines for dozens of matches.</p>



<p>Now 32, Jones has not played a competitive game since departing the Red Devils after the 2022/23 season. His final appearance on the pitch, however, came even further back. Jones last featured against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brentford-tv-schedule/">Brentford</a> in May of 2022. United won the game 3-0, as the veteran defender entered the fray as a late substitute.</p>



<h2>Jones earns coaching license as he transitions into new career</h2>



<p>Despite not playing for quite some time, Jones revealed that he is now officially retired on Saturday. Although he is walking away as a player, he will be back on the pitch soon. The former defender told listeners during an interview with BBC Radio that wants to become a head coach in the near future.</p>



<p>“My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” <a href="https://x.com/5liveSport/status/1824781531048497262?s=03" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Jones. “It was disappointing obviously but it’s easy to look at it glass half empty. [I’m] glass half full. [I have] completed my A license last season, worked with the U18s which was really good. Valuable experience, I enjoyed it.”</p>



<p>“Ultimately I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I fancy myself going into the coaching and taking charge of a team. I know the steps to get there and I’m willing to take that.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Unfortunately it ended how it did, Shorter than I would’ve liked" 🗣️<br><br>⚽️ <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilJones4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhilJones4</a> has announced he has retired from playing football<br><br>📲 <a href="https://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI">https://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/qKEB9Mx3Dz">pic.twitter.com/qKEB9Mx3Dz</a></p>— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/5liveSport/status/1824781531048497262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Injuries help end player’s career prematurely</h2>



<p>Jones continued in the interview by pointing to his unfortunate injury history, particularly in the last few years. “Yeah. I think it was pretty obvious that I struggled towards the end of my career,” the former star replied when asked if he was officially retired. “I gave everything I’ve got. Left no stone unturned and unfortunately, it ended how it did.”</p>



<p>“I did everything I could [to return to playing] but with so many rehabs I was coming back from, it has an effect on you and your family.”</p>



<p>Despite the lengthy list of injuries, Jones still managed to have a fairly successful career. The defender featured in 17 English top-flight games as United collected the 2012/13 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season as manager. He was also in the squad when the Red Devils hoisted the 2016 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> trophy the following year.</p>



<p>Internationally, Jones racked up 27 total caps with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> national team. He featured in both the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments.</p>



<p>Photo credits: IMAGO / PA Images.</p>


Man Utd legend retires as a professional footballer

Former Man Utd legend, Phil Jones, has officially announced that he has retired as a professional footballer

Man Utd legend retires as a professional footballer - World Soccer Talk

<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bigsam.bmp"><div><figure class="external-image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-27790" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bigsam.bmp" alt=""></figure></div></a></p>
<p>Weather permitting it’s Gameweek 18, this roller coaster Premier League season is about to enter its crucial Christmas period. Three points going into the festivities will be a priority for all managers this weekend.</p>
<p>Sam Allardyce can put is feet up on Saturday and watch the club that unceremoniously sacked him take on his potential new employers. Rovers Phil Jones(4.5) is an apparent January transfer target for several clubs, the defender has picked up 48 points so far this season and could be a shrewd acquisition if the rumours bear fruit. Blackburn’s performer of the season so far is the ever consistent Morten Gamst Pedersen(5.9), a 75 point haul this season puts him 12<sup>th</sup> overall in the midfield rankings.</p>
<p>Avram Grants tenure at Upton Park is hanging by a thread. He could be trading places with Big Sam come the New Year unless the Hammers can perform a dramatic turnaround. Were it not for the Influence of Scott Parker(5.4) you feel that Grant’s and quite possibly West Ham’s fate would already have been sealed. With Parker again the centre of transfer speculation it could be wise to add the playmaker to your ranks. Goals win Football matches, Frederic Piquionne(4.9) and Victor Obinna(5.5) have excited occasionally and Allardyce could be warming himself by the fire for a bit longer if the pair hit form over the festivities.</p>
<p>It’s time for another West Midlands derby on Sunday as West Brom entertain Wolves. The key to the Baggies success so far this season has been in the engine room. Chris Brunt(5.7) is a massive player for Roberto Di Matteo, if he’s not scoring goals he is creating them. Wide man Jerome Thomas(4.6) is performing well and steady as a rock Paul Scharner(4.5) is a reliable performer who chips in with the odd goal too. Mick McCarthy’s men deserve to be a wee bit higher up the table, if Stephen Hunt(5.3) can recapture the form of his Reading and Hull City days he will play a vital part in Wolves’ survival campaign. Wanderers will also be buoyed by the return of key men Matthew Jarvis(5.3) and Kevin Doyle(5.1).</p>
<p>Gameweek 18 concludes with Everton paying a visit to official title contenders Man City. Reports indicate that Carols Tevez(11.1) will be stripped of his captaincy but will play. There is a bargain to be had at multi-billion pound City, midfielder Yaya Toure is available for a mere 5.3 million. The Ivorian notched 13 points last time out, that’s value for Fantasy League money. Keep an eye on the happenings at Eastlands, a clear out is on the cards. The Fantasy League January sales will start here.</p>
<p>The next round of Premier League fixtures kick off on Boxing Day. I therefore wish you all a very merry and points&nbsp;laden Christmas. May your stocking be overflowing and your Turkey be moist and delicious. Thank you for reading every week and many apologies if you’ve followed any(and there have been plenty!) of my, shall we say, less rewarding suggestions.</p>
<p>If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleaguem.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300</p>


Fantasy League Tips &#8211; Gameweek 18

Fantasy League Tips - Gameweek 18 - World Soccer Talk

Fantasy League Tips – Gameweek 18

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Man Utd legend retires as a professional footballer

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Fantasy League Tips – Gameweek 18