Why Phil Jones has returned to Manchester United

Phil Jones has been observing a number of Manchester United academy sessions throughout the last couple of weeks.

It was suggested across social media on Tuesday afternoon that Jones had returned to coach the club's Under-18s, but the Manchester Evening News understands he's merely been back at Carrington to observe academy training.

Sources have confirmed there are no current plans for Jones to join the U18s in a coaching capacity and it's also understood the centre-back is continuing to contemplate the next steps in his career.

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Jones left United upon the expiry of his contract this summer and sources have stressed former players 'regularly engage' with the academy, while his presence around training has also been considered useful for younger players.

Sources have described Jones observing academy training 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.