Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United winger Ashley Young is set for talks with club manager Jose Mourinho as he looks to settle his Old Trafford future, reports The Sun.
The former Aston Villa wide man would be out of contract next summer and was expected to move away from the club this summer. The 32-year-old generated interest from a lot of European clubs but decided to stay put.
He has a 12-month extension option in his deal which the Red Devils could activate if they want. However, he is no longer a starter for Mourinho and would be used only as a squad player.
It is reported that the Portuguese tactician has already told Young of his place in the plans and the club too is willing to not stand in his way if he wants regular football. The report states that Young wants to stay at Old Trafford and that he will ask for the one-year extension on the same terms.
The England international joined United in 2011, from Aston Villa. He has made 120 Premier league appearances for the club and has scored around 11 goals in six seasons at the club.
Young has been capped 30 times by England but the last time he donned The Three Lions shirt was in 2013. With very little chances of regaining his national spot, the only chance for Young to play regularly is at club level.
He may not have been a star player of late but Young proved to be an able backup at various positions last season. Although most fans would point to his horrendous display as a wing-back, he has given his best on the pitch for the Red Devils.
Can Mourinho use him as a squad player? His position as a winger is now cluttered with a lot of options as Mourinho is spoilt for choice there. So much so that he has allowed the Brazilian Andreas Pereira to join Valencia on loan.
I can hardly see Young featuring even in Cup competitions considering the squad strength at Mourinho’s disposal this season. However, Young’s experience could prove vital in case of injuries.
Will you give thumbs up for Young to stay at the club?
