Ashley Young Reflects on Manchester United Departure
Former Manchester United star Ashley Young has opened up about his decision to leave Old Trafford, stating he has no regrets about his move to Inter Milan. The versatile player spent eight-and-a-half years with the Red Devils before completing his switch to the Italian giants in January 2020.
A Storied Career at Manchester United
Young joined Manchester United from Aston Villa in 2011 as a pacey winger and quickly established himself as a key player. Just two years after his arrival, he celebrated winning the Premier League title, before successfully reinventing himself as a defender later in his United career. During his time at the club, the English international also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League trophies.
His wealth of experience and leadership qualities saw him handed the captain's armband by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in August 2019. However, in a surprising turn of events, Young gave up his leadership role just months later to pursue a new challenge in Italian football under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.
The Contract Offer That Came Too Late
Looking back on his choice to head to Italy, Young explained what ultimately persuaded him to leave United, despite being offered fresh terms to stay. "A contract offer was made," Young told The Telegraph in 2023. "It was too late. I had made up my mind."
The former England international elaborated on his thinking at the time, revealing how he interpreted the club's actions. "How I saw it was, if United really wanted to keep me, they would have offered me a contract before the interest came in," Young stated, suggesting the timing of the offer revealed the club's true intentions regarding his future.
Successful Gamble in Italy
The gamble paid off handsomely for Young, who secured a Serie A winner's medal in his second campaign with Inter Milan. Reflecting on his achievements in Italy, he told Sky Sports in 2021: "It's obviously nice to win the Premier League and then to go to a new league and win that as well is just incredible, an unbelievable feeling."
Young made 261 appearances for Manchester United during his tenure, remaining one of the few squad members who had won the Premier League under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson before his departure. At Inter, he featured 34 times during his only full season, coming agonisingly close to securing a Serie A and Europa League double in his first campaign.
Post-United Career Journey
After his successful 18-month stint in Italy, Young made a heartfelt return to Aston Villa, where he played a key role in guiding the club back into European football under manager Unai Emery. In 2023, he signed for Everton on a free transfer, demonstrating his lasting quality by clocking up 63 league appearances during his two-year spell with the Toffees.
Reflecting on his time at Everton, Young told Evertontv: "It's been a fantastic two years. Ups and downs. People have been against us, but we stuck together and that's what the club's about: sticking together." He added: "I'm delighted that I've been able to represent this club. It's a fantastic club, steeped in history and I'm glad I've been part of this history."
Continuing Career and Future Plans
Shortly after turning 40, Young began the next phase of his playing days by joining Ipswich Town, reuniting with former United first team coach Kieran McKenna in the Championship. The ex-United captain has also taken on punditry duties for Sky Sports this season, hinting at his plans for after he eventually retires from professional football.
Throughout his reflections, Young maintained his conviction about leaving Manchester United when he did. "I'm looking back now and I think I made the right decision," he stated, emphasizing his competitive drive. "I always wanted to go out and win. I've got that ambition, drive and desire to win."
