After Jonny Evans' shock return, another ex-Manchester United star has been spotted back at the club, and the reason why has now reportedly been revealed.
The Red Devils have parted ways with 14 players in the past three months, although some of these include loan departures.
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Among the notable exits was veteran defender Phil Jones, who left the side as their joint-longest-serving player alongside David de Gea after a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
Jones' career at the Theatre of Dreams had become almost invisible as long-term injury struggles characterised his time at the club.
He made only 16 appearances since the 2019/20 campaign, and notably played zero matches in the entire 2022/23 season.
However, the Englishman has now been spotted back at Carrington just months after he bid farewell to the Premier League giants, with their being rumours he had been roped in to take charge of the club's U19 side.
According to Manchester Evening News, though, Jones is back at United only to observe academy training sessions.
A source is said to have revealed that the presence of former players like the 31-year-old is seen as helpful for academy prospects "to engage with someone who has a wealth of knowledge to pass on accumulated during his successful career".
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The centre-back won six trophies during his stint at Old Trafford, and made 229 appearances in total, but it remains unclear what is next for his career as he is yet to be snapped up by another team, nor has he hinted at retiring from football.
When he left the Red Devils at the end of June, he told the club's official website: "It's been very difficult, the last couple of years. There's no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.
"My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.
"And, you know, I've missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football."
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