What Happened to Phil Jones? Why is He not Playing?

What Happened to Phil Jones? Find out the latest news on the football player's career and know the mystery behind Phil Jones' absence from the field and whether retirement is the reason.

by Swetha P

Updated May 22, 2023

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What Happened to Phil Jones? Why is He not Playing?
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Who is Phil Jones?

Philip Anthony Jones, born on 21 February 1992, is a skilled professional footballer hailing from England. He currently showcases his talents as a player for the prestigious Premier League club, Manchester United. Jones' football journey began at Blackburn Rovers, where he excelled at both the youth and senior levels. While he primarily operates as a centre-back, his versatility has allowed him to contribute as a right-back or defensive midfielder when needed.

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Not only has Jones proven himself domestically, but he has also had the honor of representing his nation, England, across multiple levels. His international career commenced in 2009 when he joined the under-19 team. Subsequently, he progressed to the under-21 squad in 2010. Jones made his debut for the England senior team in 2011, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey. He has proudly represented his country in prestigious tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2012, as well as the FIFA World Cups of 2014 and 2018.

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What Happened to Phil Jones? 

Regarded as one of the most promising talents in English football, the now 31-year-old Philip Anthony Jones was once hailed by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a potential contender for the title of the greatest British player ever. However, injuries have plagued the versatile player, who joined Manchester United from Blackburn in 2011. Over the past four seasons, Jones has been limited to a mere 13 appearances for the Red Devils.

As a result, the club has confirmed that he will be released at the end of his current contract during the upcoming summer. Expressing his disappointment about the unfortunate turn of events, Jones opened up about the difficulties he faced in recent years. Despite the setbacks, he acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, who played an instrumental role in keeping him focused and motivated during his rehabilitation efforts.

Jones admitted to missing the game he has been passionate about since childhood, expressing his desire to play football regularly. He emphasized his tireless dedication to returning to peak fitness and highlighted a standout moment in his career the Wolves game, which marked his comeback from injury last season. Jones expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering backing throughout his tenure at the club.

Why Phil Jones is not Playing? 

Phil Jones has been struggling with a series of persistent and recurring injuries, which have greatly impacted his ability to play regularly for Manchester United. These physical issues have kept him sidelined for extended periods, preventing him from maintaining consistent fitness and match readiness. Jones' most notable and ongoing problem has been a chronic knee issue, which has plagued him for several years.

This long-term injury has required extensive rehabilitation and has often necessitated periods of rest and recovery. The severity and complexity of his knee problem have hindered his ability to train and compete at the highest level consistently. As a result of his frequent injuries and the need for extensive recovery periods, Jones has been unable to secure a regular place in the Manchester United squad.

The club has had to prioritize players who are fit and available, resulting in limited opportunities for Jones to feature in matches. Furthermore, the arrival of new players, changes in team dynamics, and competition for places within the squad have also played a role in reducing Jones' playing time. Manchester United has made defensive reinforcements over the years.

Harry Maguire and the emergence of other center-back options, which have further limited Jones' opportunities on the pitch. Overall, it is primarily due to his recurring injuries, particularly his chronic knee problem, coupled with increased competition for places within the squad, that Phil Jones has found himself sidelined and unable to play regularly for Manchester United.

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Phil Jones Retired

Is Phil Jones Retired? Following his 12-year tenure at Manchester United, Phil Jones finds himself in a challenging battle to salvage his footballing career. As he prepares to depart from Old Trafford, Jones has been noticeably excluded from the club's retained list, leaving him poised to become a free agent when his contract expires on June 30. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old defender has endured a lengthy absence from the pitch, having not played for nearly a year.

His chronic knee problems have severely limited his involvement, resulting in a mere five appearances over the past three and a half years. Jones faced further disappointment this season as he was left out of United's squad and has been unable to train under new manager Erik ten Hag, who assumed the role in June. In light of these circumstances, the former England international is now confronted with a crucial decision regarding his future. He must weigh the possibility of retiring from professional football or embark on a journey to revive his career with a new club.

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Phil Jones Height

It is reported to have a height of 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches). While there are varying sources that list his height as either 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) or 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches), the most reliable and accurate information comes from his official club profile.

Jones' stature plays a significant role in his playing style, particularly as a defender. Standing tall and strong, his height grants him an advantage in aerial duels, allowing him to dominate in the air against opponents. This attribute proves valuable when defending against set pieces, where his ability to win headers is crucial.

Throughout his career, Jones has demonstrated the benefits of his height, utilizing it effectively to assert his presence in defensive situations. His commanding physical presence aids in marking opponents, contesting high balls, and providing an additional obstacle for attackers to overcome. Given the demands of his position, Jones' height has been an asset in his success as a defender, enabling him to compete at the highest level of the game.

Phil Jones Faces

As the end of a significant era approaches, Phil Jones is set to bid farewell to Manchester United after a remarkable 12-year stint, leaving behind a legacy of not only his footballing career but also his comical facial expressions on the pitch. The MEN reports that Jones is among a group of at least five players whose contracts will not be renewed this summer.

His departure does not come as a surprise, given the unfortunate string of injuries he has endured in recent years. Sidelined by a persistent knee problem, the former England defender has only managed to start two matches in the past three years. In fact, he has not even participated in training throughout the current season, with his last sighting at the club's training ground dating back a full year.

Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in February 2019, Jones has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills, featuring in just 16 games since then. Furthermore, he has been substituted at halftime in five of those appearances. While the lack of playing time is disappointing for football enthusiasts, it also means that fans worldwide have been deprived of the entertaining and memorable facial expressions that Jones has become known for.

These amusing expressions have garnered attention on social media platforms, captivating and amusing numerous users over the years. As Jones prepares to move on from Manchester United, his departure marks the end of an era not only in terms of his lengthy tenure at the club but also in the realm of his light-hearted and entertaining presence on the field.

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Phil Jones Vs Wolves

In Manchester United's recent disappointing defeat, Phil Jones cannot be held responsible for the team's failure. The often overlooked and ridiculed defender made a surprising return to the spotlight during Monday's 1-0 loss against Wolves at Old Trafford. Despite several United players underperforming, Jones stood out by delivering a solid performance.

This marked his first appearance for the Red Devils in a staggering 707 days. Although his long-term future at the club may be uncertain, Jones demonstrated his value as a potential signing for teams seeking a dependable and uncompromising center-back. Jones was called upon due to the absences of Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly, and it was evident from the beginning that his presence was appreciated off the pitch.

His performance suggested that he could be an asset for clubs in need of a strong, no-nonsense center-back. While his long-term prospects at Manchester United may be uncertain, Jones's recent display demonstrated his ability to make a valuable impact when given the opportunity.

How Many Games has Phil Jones Played for United? 

In a heartfelt open letter published by Manchester United on Friday, Phil Jones expressed his deep appreciation for his time at the club and expressed his regret over not being able to contribute more on the pitch. Reflecting on his journey, Jones acknowledged the immense privilege of being part of such an incredible institution and expressed his desire to have played a more significant role and given more to the various squads he was part of.

Jones reassured fans that he had given his all, leaving no stone unturned in his relentless pursuit of living his dream and representing Manchester United. He expressed gratitude to the medical team for their guidance and support throughout his injury-plagued journey, emphasizing that he had followed their advice diligently. With 229 appearances for United and 27 caps for England, Jones had the opportunity to represent both club and country on numerous occasions.

However, his career at United was marred by a series of injuries, particularly a persistent knee problem that proved difficult to overcome. In his letter, Jones conveyed his immense gratitude to the club, the fans, and everyone who supported him during his time at Manchester United. Despite the challenges he faced, he remains proud of his efforts and the opportunity to live out his dream of playing for such a renowned club.

How Much is Phil Jones on a Week?

In recent seasons, Phil Jones, once a dependable presence in the Manchester United team, has been plagued by persistent physical issues, severely limiting his playing time. Over the course of the last four years, he has only managed to participate in 21 matches, reflecting the extent of his injury struggles. Despite his injury woes, in February 2019, Manchester United surprisingly extended Jones' contract for four and a half years, reportedly worth £110,000 per week.

Since 2018, Jones has cost the club a total of £28.5 million. The 31-year-old initially joined United from Blackburn in 2011 for a transfer fee of £16 million. During his early years at Old Trafford, Jones showcased great potential, contributing to the club's Premier League triumph in 2013 and even being earmarked as a future captain of the England national team by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, frequent injuries began to impede his progress, and since the 2014-15 season, he has surpassed 20 Premier League appearances in a single campaign only once. Jones' tenure at Manchester United has been characterized by the frustration of missed opportunities due to his persistent fitness concerns. Despite the initial promise he showed, his career trajectory has been significantly hampered, preventing him from reaching his full potential at the club.

Phil Jones Stats

SEASON

TEAM

COMPETITION

APPS

       

2021/22

Man Utd

Premier League

2(2)

0

0

0

0

2019/20

Man Utd

Premier League

2

0

0

0

0

2018/19

Man Utd

Premier League

15(3)

0

1

1

0

2017/18

Man Utd

Premier League

23

0

0

2

0

2016/17

Man Utd

Premier League

18

0

0

2

0

2015/16

Man Utd

Premier League

6(4)

0

0

0

0

2014/15

Man Utd

Premier League

22

0

0

3

0

2013/14

Man Utd

Premier League

26

1

2

5

0

2012/13

Man Utd

Premier League

13(4)

0

0

4

0

2011/12

Man Utd

Premier League

25(4)

1

2

6

0

2010/11

Blackburn

Premier League

24(2)

0

0

4

0

2009/10

Blackburn

Premier League

7(2)

0

0

0

0



Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

What Happened to Phil Jones - FAQs

1. Why has Phil Jones not been playing for Manchester United?  

Phil Jones has been sidelined due to persistent injuries, particularly a chronic knee problem.

2. How many games has Phil Jones played in the last four years?

Phil Jones has played only 21 games in the last four years.

3. Why did Manchester United give Phil Jones a new contract?

Manchester United extended Phil Jones' contract despite his injury struggles in February 2019.

4. How much has Phil Jones cost Manchester United since 2018?

Phil Jones has cost Manchester United £28.5 million since 2018.

5. Why has Phil Jones not been able to play regularly?

Phil Jones' recurring injuries, especially his chronic knee problem, have prevented him from maintaining regular fitness and match readiness.

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