Manchester United have opened talks with Ashley Young over a new long-term deal, reports ESPN.
The England International will enter in his final year of the contract in the summer, but the club intend to tie him down to a new extension which would see the 29-year-old’s foreseeable future at the Old Trafford.
Young was a mutable figure under David Moyes’ reign last season, and was close to a summer exit. But he has established himself as a vital cog in Louis van Gaal’s plans, with the Dutch manager using him in unfamiliar wing-back and left-back roles.
Despite being alien to the new defensive role, the former Aston Villa fan favourite has impressed this season before a hamstring injury during the Reds’ draw at Stoke on New Year’s Day curtailed his progress.
The former Watford youth product recently made his 100th appearance for United in the FA Cup replay against Cambridge. Talking to the Reds’ official website, the winger-turned-defender said he is comfortable in whichever roles he is deployed, also acknowledging that he is back to full fitness now..
“Yeah I’ve played wing-back, full-back and in the diamond as well. The manager decides what formation he picks for every game and no matter if it’s a back three or a back four we all adjust and adapt.:
“I was pleased with how I did at the start but then I got the injury which is always disappointing. I’m back to full fitness now and hopefully I can stay injury-free and get back in the team.”
Young joined Manchester United from Aston Villa in 2011 for an estimated fee between £15 million and £20 million.