Phil Jones watching Manchester United at Carrington again

Phil Jones was back at Carrington to watch Manchester United's Under-18s play Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this month that Jones had been observing academy training sessions for a few weeks, but sources confirmed there were no current plans for him to join the youth ranks in a coaching capacity.

That invite to observe academy training has extended to games and Jones was present to watch the U18s against Forest, which was an opportunity for the 31-year-old to gain matchday experience on the sidelines.

It's understood Jones is continuing to contemplate the next steps in his career following his departure from United.

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Sources have stressed former players 'regularly engage' with the academy, while his presence around training has also been considered useful for younger players.

Jones observing academy training has also been seen as an opportunity for young players 'to engage with someone who has a wealth of knowledge to pass on accumulated during his successful career'.

The 31-year-old penned an emotional letter to United supporters when his exit was confirmed in May and he described his time at Old Trafford as 'living the dream at the biggest club in the world'.

Jones joined United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 and won the Premier League in 2013. The defender made a total of 229 appearances for United.