Sheffield United have 'sights' on Blackburn Rovers coach and ex-Manchester United stalwart Phil Jones
Sheffield United credited with interest in Blackburn Rovers coach and ex-Manchester United stalwart Phil Jones
Sheffield United are reportedly eyeing former Manchester United stalwart Phil Jones for a coaching role at the club.
The winds of change are again blowing through Bramall Lane, with a coaching reshuffle now seemingly on the cards.
It has been reported that Sheffield United will be parting ways with Chris Wilder’s assistant manager Alan Knill, who has spent years as a trusted voice for the Blades boss.
Jones, a former centre-back for Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United, joined the former as a first-team coach to work alongside Michael O’Neill in February. O’Neill has since left and been replaced by Tony Mowbray.
Sheffield United linked with Phil Jones
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Jones may not form part of Mowbray’s team at Ewood Park.
It has been indicated they will not stand in the 34-year-old’s way if an approach is made, with Bramall Lane having been mooted as a potential destination.
Sheffield United are said to be keen on getting a new face involved and Jones would certainly freshen things up in South Yorkshire.
Phil Jones’ career
Jones spent his entire career in the Premier League, first enjoying a breakthrough at Blackburn before landing an opportunity at Manchester United.
In 2013, his then-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson tipped Jones to become an all-time great at Old Trafford.
He said: "The way he is looking, he could be our best ever player. He 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.
“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."
It did not quite pan out that way for Jones, who was plagued by injury in the years that preceeded his retirement in August 2024. He did, however, managed to collect 27 England caps.
Jones started coaching in the youth system at Manchester United before sealing a return to Blackbun earlier this year.