Fans Baffled As Ex-Man Utd Player Spotted With Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham Game

There was a surprise guest at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday as a former Manchester United defender joined Ryan Reynolds to watch Wrexham's clash against Queens Park Rangers.

Reynolds, who co-owns the Welsh club with fellow Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney, watched on as QPR secured a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Conor Coady (OG), Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell.

Kieffer Moore gave Wrexham hope midway through the second half with a trademark header, but it was an otherwise disappointing afternoon for Phil Parkinson's side, who sit 21st in the Championship with four points from a possible 15.

As is often the case these days, a handful of high-profile faces were sat in the stands, including Colin Hanks, an actor best known for his role as Gus Grimly on the FX crime series Fargo.

And to the surprise of many, former Manchester United and England centre-back Phil Jones was in attendance alongside Reynolds.

It was an appearance that sparked plenty of interest on social media.

One fan wrote: "I can’t explain it… but Phil Jones is in Ryan Reynolds’ box at Wrexham this afternoon," while another commented: "Jones coaching Wrexham, we'll be there."

A third said: "Phil is doing his coaching badges... not sure how far he is with it though."

A fourth wrote: "Next manager?" and a fifth added: "What's Phil Jones doing there lol. No way he's quitting as an academy coach to become a manager?"

It is not yet clear why Jones was at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday, but it has been suggested that Wrexham could be looking to add to their coaching staff, according to the Mail's Nathan Salt.

He wrote on X: "Been one suggestion put to me by someone I respect in the game that Wrexham have been putting feelers out to add to the coaching staff. Jones was in with Utd’s U18s on a voluntary basis last season. Could fit the bill."

Phil Jones was sat in the stands alongside Ryan Reynolds. Image credit: @NathSalt1/X

The former defender is targeting a career in management after announcing his playing retirement last year.

While studying for his coaching badges, the former defender has previously worked with Manchester United's youth teams, and back in January, he enrolled in the UEFA Pro Licence course.

“It’s an amazing course with the FA,” he told the Hindustan Times in April. “We get some of the top coaches and top managers coming through it. It’s a great networking opportunity, a great chance to be with people who are striving for the same goal."

"That’s my goal now," he added. "As a little boy, I wanted to be a professional footballer, and now that I’m on the other side of it, I’m passionate about this.”