Manchester United could enter the market for a midfielder if Ashley Young departs Old Trafford on deadline day, as per reports
The Daily Mail have reported that Ashley Young’s potential departure from Old Trafford could prompt Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to complete a move for a midfielder before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday.
It has been a roller coaster of a ride at Manchester United for Ashley Young. Signed from Aston Villa after four impressive years with the Midlands club, Young became an instant hero among the Manchester United faithfuls as he scored his maiden goals in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal in 2011.
Since then, the Englishman has constantly been in and out of the side, thanks to inconsistent performances and controversial moments on the field. In all, Young has made 151 appearances for Mancehster United in more than five years at Old Trafford, bagging 14 goals and 31 assists in these games.
This season, however, he has been a peripheral figure in Jose Mourinho’s squad, managing just five starts all season. As a result, has grown frustrated by the lack of opportunities coming his way as he recently stated that he was desperate for a loan move.
However, after Sunday evening’s 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic, Mourinho confirmed that Young is on the cusp of leaving Old Trafford before Tuesday’s deadline. Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng have been previously linked with the Englishman, while a host of other Premier League clubs are also reportedly interested.
Mourinho has expressed concerns over the congestion of fixtures, as Manchester United continue to compete on all four fronts. They qualified for the final of the EFL Cup last week, and next month’s finale has postponed the Manchester Derby, originally scheduled for that weekend, to a later date.
With Europa League commitments resuming in February as well, the Red Devils could be set to face three matches in two weeks for the majority of the remainder of the season. And so, if Young does depart Old Trafford this month, Manchester United could be set to do business before the deadline on Tuesday.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, and the Daily Mail report suggests that Mourinho could turn his attention towards the 22-year-old.
Bakayoko has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Monaco in 2016/17 and the defensive midfielder could be bought to add stability in the centre of the park.
