Ashley Young has turned down an offer of a one-year contract extension from Manchester United and looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford this month, according to Sky in Italy.
The 34-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer and United made the offer of a one-year extension in order to fend off interest from Inter Milan, as Antonio Conte tries to strengthen his squad in the fight for the Serie A title.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep Young, who is a key leader in the United dressing room and can play in multiple positions.
It is understood Young’s decision to leave Old Trafford is based on playing time, with the defender feeling he is at the stage of his career where he wants to play regular football.
The final decision on his future will be left to United, but Young hopes – after eight-and-a-half seasons in Manchester – he will be allowed to pursue another challenge elsewhere.
Conte remains a big fan of United’s captain and wanted to sign him in the summer of 2017 when he was in charge of Chelsea. It is understood Conte is willing to offer Young an 18-month contract with the Italian side.
‘Some Man Utd players just not up to it’
United must make signings in the January transfer window as some of their players are “just not up to it”, says their former goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
The Australian, who had two spells at Old Trafford as a player, was reacting to United’s 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
City dominated United in the first half, establishing a three-goal lead inside the first 40 minutes, and Bosnich says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to make changes.
“There are players all over that squad – there’s no need to get into naming and shaming – who are just not up to it,” he told Sky Sports News.
