Phil Jones RETURNS to Man Utd just weeks after leaving club following injury nightmare

PHIL JONES has been spotted back at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground in recent weeks.

However there are no plans for the former England defender to make a permanent return to his old club at this stage.

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The 31-year-old has been observing some academy training sessions at his former club as he weighs up his next move.

Former Blackburn defender Jones finally said goodbye to United in the summer after 12 years on their books.

The final few years at Old Trafford were completely wrecked by injury and it is understood he would still like to continue his playing career.

However much depends on whether he can return to the required fitness and also if the right opportunity arises.

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In the meantime he is keeping his options open and coaching is something he is exploring for the future.

United sources have indicated he has watched a few sessions with the Under 18 squad but has not been offered a role as coach.

The club likes to invite former players back to engage with the young hopefuls and the feeling is they will benefit from his wealth of experience.

He made 229 appearances for United after moving from Ewood Park in summer 2011 and also won 27 caps for the Three Lions.

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His old number 4 shirt has been taken by new signing Sofyan Ambrabat in the past few days.

Amrabat was presented to the media yesterday after officially being unveiled as a Manchester United player.

United have paid an £8.5million loan fee to sign the Moroccan and have a £17m option to buy.

There were fears the midfielder would be sidelined after a back issue was discovered during his medical.

However it appears rumours about the severity of the injury were wide of the mark as Amrabat looks set to join up with his national team for their fixtures against Liberia and Burkina Faso.

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