According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have offered Ashley Young a one year contract extension.
This is in response to interest from Inter Milan who are trying to sign him on a pre-contract deal.
This is an utterly bemusing decision from the club by every aspect.
Young to his credit has redeemed himself this season. He has not been a calamity or weak link, he has been a solid full-back and filled in with injuries.
But at 34-years-old, his time is up. He was lucky to be offered an extension last year, and he should not get another one.
United should allow him to bow out gracefully and take what is at this stage of his career a dream move to Inter.
There is a debate whether to keep him until the end of the season or let him go now, but extending his contract would just be ridiculous.
Ethan Laird is ready
For all the continuous talk of rebuild at United, a renewal for Ashley Young would be a backward step.
United have a highly talented young right-back ready for first team chances, Ethan Laird.
Laird has impressed with his brief appearances so far, making his debut in the Europa League.
The 18-year-old is consistently one of United’s best players whatever level he plays in, and has been one of the stars for the under-23s this season.
He is strong defensively and even better going forward, and he is ready right now to replicate Brandon Williams’ success.
It is tough for him with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot ahead of him, and he does not need an extension for Ashley Young further complicating his chances.
Like Young, he can play on both flanks, so even though he has not done so for the first team on the left yet, it is another string to his bow.
United need to show faith in the young talent. Just like a Juan Mata extension has been harmful for Angel Gomes, giving Ashley Young one extra year will be the wrong move for Ethan Laird, who is ready to contribute to United’s first team right now.
Laird would be ready to step up right away if United did allow Young to leave this January.
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