Ashley Young, the former Manchester United captain and fan favourite, has made a startling admission in an exclusive interview: leaving Old Trafford was the biggest mistake of his illustrious career.
The now 38-year-old defender, who currently plies his trade with Everton, enjoyed a successful nine-year spell with the Red Devils after his £17 million move from Aston Villa in 2011. During his time at the club, he lifted the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and the League Cup.
'A Decision I Truly Regret'
Young's departure for Inter Milan in January 2020 was framed as a new adventure, but the player now reveals a deep sense of regret. "If I had my time again, I would never have left Manchester United," Young confessed. "It's as simple as that. Looking back, it wasn't the right choice."
His sentiment highlights the powerful emotional pull the historic club maintains over its players, long after they have departed.
Praise for the Ten Hag Revolution
Despite his regret, Young remains an avid observer of his former team and is full of praise for the work being done by current manager Erik ten Hag.
"I think what the manager has done since coming in is fantastic," he stated. "You can see the identity he's instilled in the team. They are playing a distinct style of football, and he's brought in players who fit his system perfectly. He's building something special."
Young's comments serve as a significant endorsement of Ten Hag's project, coming from a player who experienced the club's transition after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement firsthand.
A Career of Success and What Might Have Been
Ashley Young's career is a testament to his incredible adaptability and longevity. Initially arriving as a winger, he successfully transformed into a dependable full-back under the guidance of Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho, eventually captaining the side.
His move to Inter Milan did yield a Serie A title, a fact he acknowledges with pride. However, his overwhelming feeling remains one of a chapter closed too soon at the Theatre of Dreams. His honest reflection offers a rare glimpse into the complex decisions and 'what ifs' that haunt even the most decorated professional footballers.
