After more than 12 years at the club, Phil Jones is finally leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Jones joined the club all the way back in July 2011 and was once predicted to become Man United‘s “best ever player” by Sir Alex Ferguson himself, but after years of injury problems and failing to live up to those expectations, his time at Old Trafford became synonymous with sitting on the sidelines.
Well, that and pulling all manner of faces whenever he did play.
However, after more than a decade at the club, one Premier League title, a Europa League, one of each domestic cup and two Charity Shields to his name, United confirmed that Phil Jones is saying goodbye to United in July and although he is set to become a free agent, his future in football remains up in the air.
It’s official, Phil Jones leaves United after more than a decade in red.
Joining United at just 19 from Blackburn Rovers, Jones was once thought to be part of United’s next generation, earning England call-ups alongside long-term centre-back partner Chris Smalling, who also left the club back in 2020 after the pair’s popularity continued to dwain over time.
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The Preston-born lad was never blind to his reputation at the club either. He famously turned down the chance for a testimonial after joking, “Apart from my mum and dad, who else would come?”. While he may not have always been a popular figure at Old Trafford he was at least an honest one.
Jones’ last game for United came in a 3-0 win against Brentford in May last year when he was subbed on for Juan Mata and before that was his remarkable comeback against Wolves in January 2022 — both of which occasions he had to fight incredibly hard to regain his fitness for, having only played a handful of games over recent years.
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As for the man himself, the 31-year-old issued the following lengthy and emotional statement on his social media, thanking the club and the fans for their support over the years, stating that he “lived a dream at the biggest club in the world” and has made friends and memories for life.
Insisting that he will “always be a Red”, the club gave Jones a fond farewell video where he was presented with a special commemorative plaque by ex-teammate turned technical director and coach, Darren Fletcher.
They went on to add that the “no.4 is now taking some time before deciding his next move and everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future.”
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He might never have turned out to be the player Fergie thought he would be, but he still brings an end to his United career with a handful of trophies, six goals from defence and as a cult figure around a club that he clearly loved.
One thing’s for sure, Phil Jones leaves a United legend in his own right. All the best, Phil.
Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons/Phil Jones (via Instagram)/Man United
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Wigan Warriors’ Bevan French out for around four months with major muscle injury
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors player Bevan French has unfortunately been ruled out for roughly four months following a fairly serious muscle injury.
An important playmaker and cog in the wider team, his absence will surely be felt.
French, 30, is said to have suffered a hamstring tear during the win over Toulouse Olympique this past weekend, and while not as severe as a full rupture, Bevan has now been told by the club he will be sidelined for approximately 16 weeks, according to head coach Matt Peet.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after learning the news, he provided a number of updates from the physio room, including the latest on Jai Field, who French had been filling in for at fullback.
While Wigan are currently leading the Super League once again, they will be without one of their key Warriors with just under a dozen games left in the season.
The Greater Manchester club’s quadruple-winning boss and former Coach of the Year admitted that, despite some obvious disappointments in the immediate aftermath, his “positive” and “philosophical” attitude has already kicked in.
He’s quite philosophical, Bevan. He quickly flips a switch.
“Now he knows the timeframe and the schedule for his recovery, like most professionals, he can get his head down now and focus on the present”, said the 41-year-old.
The Australian stand-off/fly-half has regularly run the show in red and white, and even amid periods out of the squad, he remains an understandable fan favourite and integral part of the team when fit.
You only need to hear pundits and peers alike describing him as a “special” talent to know how much of a big miss he’ll be.
As mentioned, Peet also shed more light on Field, who dropped out with appendicitis last week and is himself set for around four to five weeks away.
For now, youngster Noah Hodkinson is being given the chance to fill the void and work his way into the first team after regularly impressing in the reserves.
Nevertheless, they could have really done with him ahead of their upcoming games.
Domestically, all three of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens aren’t far behind them in the table, so it could prove to be a tasty remainder of the 2026 campaign.
You can watch the highlights from the result against Toulouse on Saturday, 7 March, here.
Danny Jones -
19th May 2023 
