Phil Jones earned millions from his image rights during time at Man Utd

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has earned a tidy sum of £4.2 million from his image rights, according to reports.

The 31-year-old former England international, who was released at the end of his contract in June, joined United from Blackburn in 2011 for £16 million.

He enjoyed a promising debut season under Sir Alex Ferguson but after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract in February 2019, he started just 16 times following a number of injury problems.

To his credit, Jones worked tirelessly to get in the best physical shape possible ahead of Erik Ten Hag's arrival.

But an ongoing problem with his knee scuppered any progress and the former England international failed to make a single appearance during the 2022/23 campaign.

Despite a lack of first-team minutes in more recent years, Jones has earned millions away from his weekly wage at Old Trafford.

In fact, The Daily Mail suggest the defender, who is currently a free agent, has picked up £4.2 million from his image rights.

Paul Pogba, his former teammate at United, has reportedly retained a UK image rights company with assets worth £5 million, including £2.4 million in cash.

The report also says Anthony Martial has netted £8 million from his image rights following his move to the Premier League club in 2015.

Back in May, Jones opened up on his Old Trafford exit in an emotional final interview.

Speaking at the club's training ground, he said: "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. It's all I've known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living. I've been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked."

He added: "I've worked tirelessly hard. I literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years. I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game [his return from injury last season], when I came back.

"That was just a moment that I'll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.

"That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational. And I can't thank them enough for that. They've been a constant support throughout my time here."