Ashley Young has revealed he requires a hip replacement, just months after hanging up his boots. The former Manchester United captain retired in April, bringing an end to a 22‑year career.
Before stepping away from the game, the 41‑year‑old spent a short spell at Ipswich Town, making 15 appearances during their promotion‑winning push back to the Premier League. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Young lifted the lid on the hip issues he had been battling for years.
Injury worsens
He revealed: "I went down on my hip in November and had an injection. I have always said to myself: 'If my body is saying you need injections, there is a problem, you need to think about retiring.' Basically I need a hip replacement, in November I was told I would need it in about 10 years time.
"I got to January and was due to have another injection which would have got me through to the end of the season, as I was saying to the specialist, 'I know it is painful, but I want to make sure I do everything I can possibly do to help the team.'
"About a week before I am about to have the injection, I go down on it in training and I am like 'this is worse, I know it is a lot worse'."
A specialist then informed him that his hip condition had deteriorated significantly and he was given a two-year timeframe to undergo the replacement.
Career highlights
After clocking up 766 matches over his career, Young acknowledged it was time to step away from the beautiful game.
"From Sefton Road to Vicarage Road to Villa Park to Wembley to Old Trafford to San Siro back to Villa Park to Goodison Park and finally to Portman Road, it's been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy! ," the defender penned on Instagram, signalling his retirement.
"But with this dream there has to be an ending and Saturday might be the last game of my professional career. To be continued...."
Upon hearing the news, he was inundated with messages from fellow footballers, including former United shot-stopper David De Gea who simply said: "What a career."
Liverpool legend and past adversary Jamie Carragher chimed in with: "Congratulations on an amazing career."
The official England account also joined in, commenting: "Congratulations on a fantastic career!"
International and club career
Young earned 39 caps for his country, netting seven goals while playing in a more forward role in midfield.
He clocked up eight and a half years at Old Trafford, making 261 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 34 assists. A versatile player who could be deployed anywhere across the pitch, from the front line to the heart of defence, Young also wore the captain's armband during his tenure.
During his fruitful spell at the club, Young clinched the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season, as well as hoisting the FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
The defender subsequently turned out for Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Everton before signing for Ipswich Town on a free transfer in 2025. His son, Tyler, also penned a deal with the Tractor Boys last year, initially joining the under‑21s squad.
