Manchester United’s Ashley Young has been the latest player to speak about his future in the Old Trafford. The English midfielder, who made 169 appearances for the Red Devils wants to extend his contract at the club, which runs out next summer.
Speaking to Metro, Young stated, “It is exciting times here,’ said Young. ‘And I want to be part of the success. As a footballer, you want to win trophies and be part of a successful team. And for me, Manchester United is that club ‘I feel really good. Obviously getting the armband – it’s is a proud moment to captain Man United.
It is an honour for me to get the armband. It shows the manager has got trust in me and I’ve got to repay him and I think I’ve been doing that in the games I’ve played. ‘I’ve managed to get myself fit, got myself back in the team and hopefully, I can stay there” – he said.
Indeed! Young joined United in 2011 as a prolific and pacy winger. But since then, a lot has changed in his role as a United player. The 32-year-old has featured as a utility player under Jose Mourinho. And he has been doing that really well so far.
Young featured in three Premier League games for the Red Devils this season, all of which resulted in victories. Considering their current injury crisis in defence, with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Antonio Valencia all out injured, Ashley Young has been no less than a blessing for Mourinho’s men. The former Aston Villa man also registered an assist in the recent 4:0 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
Ashley Young, relishing the challenge even from a position which is quite alien to him in the pacy nature of the Premier League is certainly commendable. Given the crossing abilities he possesses, it could really help United’s attacking front, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba lining up in the penalty area.
Matteo Darmian’s future at Manchester United is insecure next summer, while players like Luke Shaw has suffered a lot with relentless spells on the sidelines. All of which, could still make Ashley Young a part of United’s progression under Jose Mourinho for next season.
Besides, Young seems to be one of the favourites among the Manchester United fans’ and his wealth of experience could steer United to more success for the upcoming season or even beyond.
The club already has an option to extend his Young’s contract for another year but United are yet to open contract negotiations with the player as of yet. However, all said and done, it would be wise to extend the Englishman’s contract by at least a year.
