Phil Jones has been spotted back at Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Phil Jones left Manchester United at the end of his contract earlier this summer but has been back at his former club observing academy training sessions.

The 31-year-old has not signed for a new club after ending a 12-year stint at Old Trafford.

The England international’s Manchester United career petered out terribly over the last four or five years, making just six Premier League appearances over his final four seasons with the club.

Jones left at the end of the last campaign, but has been back at the Carrington training centre, where the Manchester Evening News reports he has simply been watching academy sessions.

A source told the MEN that the presence of former players like Jones 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’.

What is next for Jones is not clear, only turning 31 this year so he should have plenty of time left in the game, but is yet to find a new club.

The defender admitted when he left United that it has been a very tough time as he dealt with a string of fitness issues over recent years.

‘It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years,’ Jones told United’s official website. ‘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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The former Red Devils man has been spotted back at the club.