Sheffield United Set For Coaching Shake-up As Former Manchester United Man Linked With Move to Bramall Lane | OneFootball

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones could reportedly be set for an unexpected move this summer as Sheffield United are said to be interested in bringing the ex-England international to Bramall Lane as part of a reshaped backroom staff under Chris Wilder.

The Blades are preparing for significant changes behind the scenes ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with long-serving assistant manager Alan Knill reportedly edging closer to an exit. According to a surprising report from The Star, Knill’s lengthy association with Wilder could finally be coming to an end, potentially opening the door for fresh faces to arrive in South Yorkshire.

Knill’s departure would mark the end of one of English football’s most enduring coaching partnerships. The experienced coach has worked alongside Wilder throughout much of his managerial career, including spells at Oxford United, Northampton Town, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Watford. His influence has been a constant presence wherever Wilder has managed, making the prospect of the Sheffield United boss operating without his trusted number two a significant development.

Could Phil Jones Be in the Dugout at Bramall Lane?

As the club assesses potential replacements, Phil Jones has emerged as a name linked with a role at the club, per Alan Nixon. While the former centre-back is still in the early stages of his coaching journey, his wealth of experience at the highest level of the game could make him an attractive addition to the coaching staff.

Jones enjoyed a distinguished playing career despite being plagued by injuries during his later years. After bursting onto the scene with Blackburn Rovers, he earned a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2011 and went on to spend more than a decade at Old Trafford. During that time, he won the Premier League title, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League while making over 200 appearances for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

The defender also earned 27 caps for England and featured at major international tournaments, giving him valuable experience that few coaches at Championship level can match. Those experiences could prove invaluable in helping Sheffield United’s younger players continue their development.

Former Manchester United Defender Could Boost the Blades

One area where Jones could make an immediate impact is within the club’s defensive unit. Sheffield United endured a frustrating 2024/25 season, struggling for consistency at the back and ultimately finishing 13th in the Championship. Defensive errors proved costly throughout the campaign, with the Blades frequently finding themselves undone by lapses in concentration and organisation.

Adding someone with Jones’ defensive pedigree could help address those shortcomings. Having spent years working under elite managers including Sir Alex Ferguson, José Mourinho and Louis van Gaal, Jones has been exposed to a wide range of tactical approaches and defensive philosophies that could benefit Sheffield United’s squad.

His arrival could be particularly beneficial for players such as Japhet Tanganga. The defender has shown flashes of the form that made him a fan favourite during his time at Millwall, but consistency has been difficult to maintain. Jones understands better than most the demands placed on modern defenders and could offer valuable one-to-one mentorship both on and off the training ground.