PHIL JONES was celebrating today after he helped Manchester United return to winning ways.
The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.
But the pressure is still mounting on boss Erik ten Hag ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.
However, there was cause for celebration at the club yesterday as Man Utd’s U18s celebrated a league and cup double.
Adam Lawrence’s young guns had already secured the Premier League North title last week with a victory at Wolves.
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They had gone unbeaten in the league until March only for neighbours City to end that incredible run.
However, their season got even better as United claimed revenge on City to lift the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village with a 2-1 win in front of Wayne Rooney.
Head of the academy Nick Cox, Lawrence and United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion have all been widely-praised for their work in transforming the club’s academy around.
But Jones, who was part of United’s last Premier League title-winning side, has also played his part.
The ex-England international retired last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.
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The 32-year-old then started a global football sport directorship course but has also been back on the training pitch at United as part of the U18s’ coaching staff this term.
Lawrence, who took over the U18s last summer, spoke earlier this term about the impact Jones was having on the group of players while he studied for his coaching badges.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “It's been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.
“He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy.
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“But for us, he's been great. He's obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he's done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off the field stuff and what they're going through - whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.
“He's added some real value from a different way.
“Hopefully, we've given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he's been of massive value and he'll continue to do that as well.
Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Blackburn in 2011.
He was plagued by injuries in his final years, making just five appearances since the start of the 2020/21 season until hanging up his boots.
Jones made 229 appearances for Man Utd, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
He also racked up 27 caps for England between 2011 and 2018.Jones turned down a testimonial and explained he did so because “there'd be only my mum and dad who would turn up”.
