Man Utd confirm departure of Phil Jones

Manchester United have announced Phil Jones will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The centre-back will depart at the conclusion of his current contract, bringing down the curtain on an up-and-down 12 year stay at Old Trafford.

Speaking to club channels, Jones said: "It's been very difficult, the last couple of years. There's no denying that. There is no hiding away from that. My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.

"And, you know, I've missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football. It's all I've known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living. I've been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked.

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"I've worked tirelessly hard. I literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years. I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game [his return from injury last season], when I came back. That was just a moment that I'll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.

"That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational. And I can't thank them enough for that. They've been a constant support throughout my time here."

Jones, now 31, has not featured for Man Utd at all this season under Erik ten Hag, with his last appearance coming in a 3-0 win against Brentford towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

He arrived at Old Trafford in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers as one of the country's most sought after defensive prospects and was part of the last Man Utd side to win the Premier League.

In total, Jones has won five trophies for the Red Devils - one Premier League, one FA Cup, one Europa League and two Community Shields - across 229 games. He has also been capped 27 times by England and went to three major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup.

Jones is due a testimonial, but it was reported back in 2019 by The Athletic that he turned it down as he only believed his mum and dad would show up.