Stoke City have emerged as shock suitors for Manchester United’s Ashley Young this summer as reports claim that the Potters have made an enquiry about the 32-year-old winger. The long-serving Manchester United player has had a quiet season last term as Jose Mourinho only saw him as a backup option to the side, and Mark Hughes is ready to take advantage of it.
The Potters have already accepted a £24 million bid for their star winger Marko Arnautovic as West Ham United come close to landing the Austrian international. And Hughes would be needing someone to fill the gap left by their productive forward. Following their quiet season in the Premier League last term, Hughes is under huge pressure to get instant success this time and has already made significant additions.
The summer has already seen Premier League veteran Darren Fletcher arriving at bet365 Stadium and Young could be their season-changing buy now. The left flank remains hugely understaffed for the Potters at the moment, as although Ramadan Sobhi remains a feasible option for the English manager, an experienced mind like Hughes would know that the 20-year-old is far from a trusted option.
Young has shifted to more of a fullback and a wing-back role at United of late. With the likes of Anthony Martial, Jese Lingard, Juan Mata and Henrik Mkhitaryan all taking up the advanced roles, Young has been more of a defender for Mourinho. Hughes could give him the lure of goals in an offensive position at Stoke and a deal isn’t very unlikely.
Young is yet to play even once in United’s pre season tour and with World Cup year coming up, it would be really difficult for him to just sit on the bench now. With the likes of Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney fighting for a place in the squad, Young would also like to fancy his chances.
This is not the first time that Young has been targeted this year. He had come close for a move to China last winter but it didn’t materialise. Young would also bring leadership status with him as he has captained United previously in the absence of Rooney or Michael Carrick.
Since moving to United from Aston Villa in 2011 for £7 million, Young has scored 14 goals and provided 32 assists in 164 games. He is tremendously versatile across the defensive third as he excels in both the defensive flanks as well as on the attacking wings. Having proper centre-forwards like Saido Berahino and Peter Crouch would get tremendous help from him in wide areas.
