Why Phil Jones is working at Manchester United again in the 2024/25 season

Phil Jones' role in Manchester United's academy has been extended into the new season.

Jones played a role in the Under-18s' outstanding treble-winning 2023/24 campaign after joining Adam Lawrence's backroom staff while studying for his coaching badges.

The former defender, who spent 12 years at United, wasn't employed by the club, but it was seen as a mutually beneficial role with Jones gaining valuable coaching experience and academy players getting the opportunity to learn from someone who made 288 career appearances.

Jones officially announced his retirement from playing in August. He declared his intention to go into coaching and his arrangement with United has continued into the new season.

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The details of the arrangement remain the same, so Jones is not on a United contract and it's a part-time role that sees him mostly doing matchdays and taking a few training sessions.

United's U18s enjoyed a special season last term, winning three trophies and two at the expense of rivals Manchester City, and Jones is continuing to spend time with that group.

The U18s have won each of their five league games and suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend, almost completing a comeback but losing 4-3 against Tottenham.

The Manchester Evening News interviewed U18 manager Lawrence in December and he was full of praise for Jones. "It's been great with Phil, he is with us weekly. He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy," he said.

"But for us, he's been great. He's obviously from the club in terms of his background