Rohan Sengupta
Manchester United full-back Ashley Young is hoping that his versatility can help England and Manchester United. The 32-year-old was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy after largely impressing in the makeshift left-back role at United.
Young has so far made 29 appearances for the Red Devils this campaign and the ex-Watford and Aston Villa winger has told Sky Sports that his flexibility to play anywhere on the field could be helpful for England in the World Cup in Russia.
“Nowadays you have players that are versatile and I feel like I’m one of them,” Young told Sky Sports. “I’ve played in numerous positions and I think if you have a good footballing brain then you’re able to adapt.
“I think I’ve shown this season that I can adapt and play well in those positions. Whenever a manager calls on me I go out and give 100 percent and play as well as I can.”
Young, who earns £110,000-a-week, has now been included in Southgate’s last two England squads and the United full-back says that he loves being with his national team colleagues.
Young added:
“I felt comfortable as soon as I walked back through the door. The boys here are fantastic, the players, the staff – everybody mingles together, so it is easy to come back into the squad and I’m delighted to be back.”
The Sky Sports report Manchester United opted to trigger a one-year extension in Young’s contract on Monday. The high-flying full-back has been a resurgent player under Jose Mourinho and his fine performances this season have earned him a return to the England set-up. Young says he is very happy to stay at United at least for another season.
“They’ve taken up that option and I’m delighted to be there for another season. It is a fantastic place to be at and hopefully we can do more than we have this season.”
Such has been Young’s form this season that he has been named the Man of the Match four times in the Premier League. Young has successfully kept Shaw on the bench for the most part of this campaign at United and now has a chance to seal his place in the England squad for the World Cup.
Young’s versatility has helped Mourinho this campaign and let’s hope Southgate makes the best use of the talented Englishman.
