Just at a time when many Manchester United fans though that Ashley Young was way past his prime, the veteran Manchester United midfielder astoundingly revitalized his game to become a fan favorite. Young has since signed a three-year contract extension with the club.
After several months of speculation about his future at Manchester, it is now clear that the seasoned winger will grace Old Trafford until 2018, with a possibility of a one year contract extension.
His previous deal was just sixteen months away from expiring, meaning that Young would be leaving the Red Devils at the closure of the 2015/2016 season.
Young joined United from Aston Villa in a move that saw United splash £17m for his services. He had his Manchester United debut in August of 2011. Since then, he has appeared in United's red more than a century of times, finding the back of the net on 13 occasions.
Young was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad that clinched the Premier league title in the 2012/2013 season.
Having been quite a revelation for van Gaal’s side last season, the possibility that Young would be rewarded for his upturn in form with a new deal was one of the obvious free bets.
Credible sources have it that Young agreed to continue earning his £120,000-a-week salary plus additional bonuses for trophies won and matches played. For a player in his final third of his football career, such a contract would be irresistible for Young.
During the signing of the new contract, United boss Louis van Gaal heaped praise on Young is not only vital for United on the pitch but also in the dressing room.
Referring to young as a multi-functional player, Van Gaal reminds many of the versatility young showed last season upon being deployed to play in several positions last season.
At a time when Van Gaal was struggling find his grip on life in the Premier League, young was always performing, spreading the grit when Van Gaal's road got slippery.
He flourished as a wing-back in van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation and did just as well when deployed on the left in the 4-3-3 system during the latter stages of the 2014/2015 campaign.
It is his versatility that endeared him greatly to the Dutch manager and United fans, forcing Van Gaal to drop Angel Di Maria from the first team slot in preference of Young.
In an interview, Young reiterated his desire to continue playing for world’s best team, at least according to him. Young said that his family would be elated with his contract extension with United.
He also pointed to the motivation that he and his teammates have to make this season one worth remembering. Whether Young’s hopes remain true to his billing or not will continue to be a subject to free betting.
But for his patience, Young would perhaps be plying his trade in other premier league clubs. Rivals Liverpool and North London outfit Tottenham had been reported to have an interest in the 30-year-old in recent times, valuing him at an estimated £ 8m.
With young being under the tutelage of three Manchester United bosses since his arrival at Old Trafford, Louis Van Gaal seems to have managed to squeeze the best out of him. Young had his worst time in United colors under David Moyes.
It is during Moyes's stint at the club that young sustained a knee injury that kept him out of contention for the regular first team even after recovery.
At this time, punditry consensus had it that Young was to be jettisoned by United. Speculations about his imminent departure were some of last season’s free bets.
Fast forward to time under Van Gaal's stewardship and young has become a revelation. His standout performances, most notably in last season’s game against local rivals Manchester City have greatly endeared him to United faithful.
Already boasting an assist in this season’s opening match against Tottenham, Ashley Young seems destined for even better times at the Theatre of Dreams.
Whether he will carry on from where he left last season and help United shake off the malaise that has affected them in recent seasons or not will remain a platform for free betting.
This article is courtesy of author Tony Samboras. Tony is a professional sports writer who is very excited about what's going to happen in the EPL this season. To see more of his writing Venture to freebookmakersbetsandbonuses.com.au.
