I’m a former Man Utd star with £32.5m in career earnings – now I’m unemployed aged 31 after sad ending to club spell

A FORMER Manchester United star is now without a team after a heart-breaking ending to his spell at the club.

Phil Jones was once a regular starter for United, but has seen his career take an unfortunate turn because of injuries.

The 31-year-old joined United from Blackburn back in 2011 and made 229 appearances for the Manchester giants.

Sir Alex Ferguson tipped him for the very top, saying: “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him.

“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.

“He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.”

But he hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since April 2022 and has struggled with a severe knee injury.

Jones picked up the injury back in June 2020 and it saw him miss over 70 games for Man Utd and never reach his best level again.

And despite his best efforts to get back to fitness and fight for a place under manager Erik ten Hag, his time at Old Trafford came to an end.

The centre-back’s contract expired at the end of last season and although United had an option to extend it for another year they chose to let the Englishman go.

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The blow of losing his place with the 20 time Premier League champions may be softened by the £32.5million he is reported to have earned during his career according to .

Jones leaves United having won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and Community Shield.

He also racked up an impressive 27 caps for the England national team during his 12 year spell in Manchester.

But it may not be curtains on the experienced defenders career just yet with rumours swirling about a shock move abroad.

It has been reported that Greek side Aris are considering a move for Jones that would see him play for a club outside of England for the first time.

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