Ashley Young extends his contract till 2019.

Manchester United full-back Ashley Young has signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him at Old Trafford for one more season. Young had less than a year left in his current deal which could have left him as a free agent at the end of the season. The club has triggered a one-year extension, which will expire in 2019. Young, 32 has been one of the team’s standout players and one of the most important player this campaign. Manager, Jose Mourinho, will be looking to improve the club’s inconsistent performances, in order to challenge for trophies next season and what better way to do it by keeping his best players on for another year.

Young was signed by Sir Alex back in 2011 from Aston Villa and was a key player in United’s 2013 title winning season. He has received many applauds this season due to his versatility and commitment towards the club. Young, originally, a winger, has completely transformed himself into an attacking full-back, capable of playing on both wings of attack and mainly defence. His unpredictability and dangerous runs and crosses inside the box has been applauded by his manager and many pundits. Being 32 and United’s first choice left back and consistent performances is no joke. Even such an age, many players start experiencing a downfall in their career and in their performance. But, for Young, he has rejuvenated his career by changing his position which gave him an important lifeline to continue playing at the top level and in top form. Young has made 29 appearances for United this season, scoring 2 goals and assisting further 5. He is arguably one of the best attacking full-backs in the leagues and probably the most dangerous crosser of the ball. He has created a total of 22 chances in the league, followed by 76 crosses inside the box and has a 80% pace accuracy. However, being a former winger has had a disadvantage in his style of play as he isn’t great at defending, being a more attacking minded player.

His recent performances have caught the eyes of England manager, Gareth Southgate, who has selected him for the international friendlies against Netherlands and Italy in the coming weeks, prior to the World Cup. Young has been called up for international duty after almost 4 years, his last international appearance being a cameo role against Brazil few months back. Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have also been called up to the squad leaving, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw back in Manchester. However, a starting role in the upcoming friendlies would be very difficult for Young as he faces competition from Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand. He will have to impress the boss in order to book his seat on the plane to Russia.

United definitely will need to strengthen their left back position if they want to succeed as United acquire only attacking minded full backs in Young and Shaw. Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw’s situation and United futures hang by the thread. Darmian has hardly played this season and looks set to return to Italy in a hope of getting his career back on track. On the other hand, Shaw 22, has had an injury looming time at United and having been recovered, he is facing a difficult time to impress the manager in the recent weeks, most recently after Jose publicly criticized him after his dismal performance against Brighton in the FA Cup. It looks certain that both these players may leave at the end of the season.  Young isn’t a long-term solution for United’s left back role and the club should look for a better and younger replacement as soon as possible. They have been linked with Alex Sandro and Ryan Sessegnon as replacements.

Mourinho has stated that United require experienced players in order to succeed and even though Young may not get the game time he gets now, due to a potential new signing, he will still be an important and experienced player in the squad. He may have crossed his peak and may not possess his pace any longer he is still a vital part for United and England due to his versatility. One of the main reason to give him an extension is to reward him for his performances and keeping a balance of experience, youth and versatility in the squad. It is a wise decision by the club and the manager, who are thinking for a bright future.