Manchester United winger Ashley Young has asked Mourinho for a loan move, according to reports.
According to the Daily Mail, Young has grown frustrated at the lack of playing time at Manchester United this season and has formally asked Jose Mourinho for a loan move in order to play first team football regularly.
Despite Mourinho’s insistence earlier this season that no Manchester United players would be leaving the club on loan, the Daily Mail report states that United are considering the Englishman’s situation and will decide whether or not to let him go.
Mourinho is said to be reluctant to let Young go, as he plans on using him in the Red Devils’ Europa League and FA Cup campaigns. Manchester United have only just sold Memphis Depay to Lyon, which could further add to Mourinho’s desire to keep Young around.
Young has only managed to make four appearances in the Premier League this season, two of which have come as a substitute. He has also only made three appearances in the Europa League – two of which have been as a substitute – and has totaled a paltry 368 minutes in all those appearances.
It is understandable that Young wants to move on as the 31-year-old doesn’t have too much time left at the top. He remains a popular figure in the dressing room and at Old Trafford though, which will increase the chances of him getting his wish.
Young was recently linked with a move to China, with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng said to have offered the Englishman a whopping £10 million a year contract. However, there was no word from either Young or Mourinho about the reported offer.
The Mail further state that several English Premier League clubs are targeting Young, with West Ham, West Brom, Watford, Crystal Palace and Swansea all interested in a loan deal for the winger. Young would be a fine addition for any of those sides and there is no doubt that clubs of their ilk would be interested should he become available.
However it remains to be seen if Mourinho will cede to Young’s demands, as he will be reluctant to lose a player of Young’s experience and versatility. Given the number of options United still have in Young’s position though, Mourinho could still grant Young’s wishes.