Manchester United: Smart move to extend Ashley Young’s contract by one year

Something to be merry about for the Red Devils in Manchester. A contract extension for a servant who’s done exceptionally well for Jose this term.

Earlier this week, Manchester United triggered a one-year contract extension for defender Ashley Young. The extension will see that he stays at Old Trafford until the summer of 2019; as his contract was originally set to expire this summer.

As Jose Mourinho’s first choice left back, Young has been quite impressive over the past two seasons; especially considering the fact that he’s naturally a wide midfielder.

A consistent performer for Jose Mourinho

More from The Top Flight

• Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
• Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
• “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
• Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
• Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss

It should come as no surprise that Manchester United have extended Ashley Young’s contract until the summer of 2019.

The left back has been a reliable option in United’s back line for Jose Mourinho since he took charge of the club back in May of 2016.

So far this season, Young has made a total of 29 appearance (all at left back) across all competitions, picking up two goals and six assists along the way.

Last season, Young was hampered with various injury problems, but was still effective when he was involved, racking up a total of 23 appearances across all competitions, though he only recorded one assist.

He was rather unfortunate to have missed out on the Europa League final through injury, and he was an unused sub when United won the English League Cup; Marcos Rojo started at left back for that occasion.

With Mourinho’s preference to Young, Luke Shaw has spent a lot of time on the bench, but Young is still backing Shaw to be an important player for United (via BBC Sport):

"He’s a fantastic player. I want to see Luke do well. He just has to get his head down and work. I feel he can be one of the best in the world, like I say he has just got to work hard."

Young also defended Mourinho’s handling of Shaw amidst speculation that he was mistreating players in United’s squad; namely, Luke Shaw”

"The manager has been successful at every club he’s been at. I don’t think he would have been that successful if he didn’t know how to handle players. We know as players we go out onto the training pitch and work hard, but when you can, he has a laugh and joke, so he’s got both sides to him and that’s the best way for a manager to be."

With Young’s extension, this will only increase Shaw’s incentive to work twice as hard to earn minutes under Jose Mourinho – the competition for a place could be exactly what he needs, and United’s front office probably had that in mind when deciding on Young’s one-year extension.

Catching the eye of Gareth Southgate

Young’s performances as of late, has earned him a call up from Gareth Southgate to the England squad, for their upcoming pair of friendlies against the likes of, The Netherlands and Italy.

Young will likely be competing with Danny Rose, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for a spot at left back in Southgate’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia – after Ryan Bertrand withdrew from the national squad.

He’ll have to make the most of any minutes that are given to him between the two friendlies.

Next: EPL team UCL Power Rankings - second league

Speaking on his England call-up, Young admitted that he has a fantastic opportunity to impress:

"I’ve always wanted to represent my country, it’s an honour to do so, and whenever I get that chance, I’ll keep doing it. I’ve got to play well at United to get that recognition, and now I’ve had that in this call-up, I’ve got to impress. I’ve got to show the manager I should get a place in the squad."