There have been many instances when a footballer has failed to live up to his potential and hype at a huge club. Some of them leave for a smaller challenge, whilst others fail to revive their careers afterwards. However, there always comes a player who accepts his limitations, works hard, diligently, and then goes on to propel for that club albeit in a different role than the one most perceived him to.
Ashley Young arrived at Old Trafford with huge expectations and talent, but the once-winger did not ever replicate his true talent on a consistent basis. Young was initially thought to be a winger, as his pace and long-range shooting were praiseworthy. However, the English international did not stay true to his role for a long time and eventually was shunted out of the team for some time.
Ever since Jose Mourinho’s arrival though, Young has been regularly played in the left-back role. Mourinho demands his fullbacks to be tactically aware and disciplined. He likes to stretch his fullbacks to create space in between for the two central midfielders. However, Young, owing to his amazing speed, stamina, and crossing ability has successfully filled in Jose’s offensive demands from a fullback.
Young has been a constant service provider to Romelu Lukaku with his deliveries into the box. His accurate crossing skill is one of the primary reasons why he has featured in the fullback role for Manchester United. There were some serious doubts regarding his defensive discipline, but Young seems to have played them down too with some sturdy displays. Against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Young managed to keep a firing Mo Salah quiet on the wings. So much, that the Egyptian failed to register even a single shot on target as Young had dutifully marked him out of the game.
Due to his offensive and defensive balance, Young has developed to become the first choice left back for the team. Deservingly, Manchester United have triggered the extension of his contract and prolonged his stay by another year at Old Trafford. Ashley Young isn’t getting any younger and will turn 33 by the start of next season.
It is important for the club to ensure that they groom a proper left-back so that they don’t have to worry about the void that Young would leave at Old Trafford. Luke Shaw is an exceptional talent but the manager has been critical of the player numerous times in the past one year.
He has praised Shaw for his improved displays too but the player’s poor performance in the FA Cup tie against Brighton again prompted Jose to point out at the negatives. Hence, unless Shaw wards off his fitness and injury worries, keeping Ashley Young at the club is a good move by Jose Mourinho and the club.