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Manchester United has several former players in their coaching ranks, and look to extend one more as a permanent fitting.
The most high-profile return has to be that of Ruud van Nistelrooy, the legendary striker now returned as assistant manager.
Van Nistelrooy had an incredible run with United, grabbing five Golden Boot awards and four team trophies.
Working alongside him in the coaching staff is his former teammate Darren Fletcher who spent 14 years at the club after graduating from the academy.
During his time at Old Trafford, Fletcher lifted a total of 15 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
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However, it’s another former United star who has recently been granted an extension.
Phil Jones retains his coaching role at Carrington
Last season former defender Phil Jones joined the coaching staff for the Under-18s side while studying for his coaching qualifications.
Although he wasn’t employed by the club, the role was undertaken as mutually beneficial, with the club offering Jones coaching experience and the academy players getting to learn from the defender who’d spent 12 years at the club with 229 appearances, grabbing six goals and eight assists.
Jones left United in the summer of 2023 before working alongside the club as a coach, officially retiring this March.
Now, after a treble-winning season for the Under-18s side, Manchester Evening News has reported that Jones’ role with the academy has been extended, with much of the details remaining the same.
Although he’s not employed by the club, he is working alongside the Under-18s coaches, primarily being a part of matchdays and taking a few training sessions in this part-time role.
Jones comments on his new coaching role
Back in June, Jones was interviewed by Ladbrokes about his new role, saying: “I’ve matured as the years have gone on, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done since retiring,”
He continued: “You know, getting my A licence in coaching, I’ve loved getting involved, I’ve helped out with the U18s at United this year.
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“That’s been brilliant for me. I’ve really got that urge now to get back out there and make my own pathway for the next stage of my career. I certainly have my own aspirations of going into management. I’ve played under some incredible managers who have given me so much knowledge.
“I’ve learned so much from every one of them. It’s experience that you can’t buy. I enjoy working with players, working with young lads, being on the pitch, in and around the squad. I’m going to apply for my pro licence in the next few weeks, which hopefully I’ll be able to do soon.”
Adam Lawrence heaps praise on Jones
The Manchester Evening News interviewed Under-18s manager Adam Lawrence in December, with him praising Phil Jones, saying. “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 continued: “But for us, he’s been great. He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off-the-field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.
“Myself and Colin have really appreciated him being involved in the programme and he’s added some real value in a different way. Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.”
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