Ole explains Ashley Young transfer

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Ashley Young is on the brink of signing for Inter Milan.

The Reds captain has been granted permission to conclude a move to Serie A after being targeted by the title-chasing Italians.

Inter, coached by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, bought Romelu Lukaku from United in the summer and also currently have Alexis Sanchez on loan.

“Well, to be fair, I think it was for Ashley, you know,” explained Ole.

“He is 35 in the summer and, if he gets a two-year contract somewhere, I think it's up to him to take that. We weren't ready to offer that.

“He's been a good servant for the club. He's been captain and he's won trophies, leagues, cups, but we've got players coming through.

“So it was time now, then. When Ashley's head and mindset was on 'yeah, I want to try this', why not do it now?“


Elaborating on the deal with MUTV, the manager added: “When this situation came up, and we've the options we’ve got at full-back. You’ve got Brandon [Williams], who has really come through and developed. Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] has been fantastic.
“Luke [Shaw] is potentially one of the best left-backs in England, for me. Then we’ve got Diogo [Dalot] and Tim [Fosu-Mensah] - they’re both fit. You’ve got loads of full-backs.

“Ashley’s mindset was that he wanted to try a new adventure and he he’s approaching 35 now. He’s done a fantastic job and he’s served this club fantastically. I think it was an opportunity for him that we had to say yes to. We got a transfer fee for someone who’s been so loyal to the club.

“Good luck. That’s what Manchester United do, you have players for a long time and then they move on and someone else steps in.”

Young has made 202 starts for the club, amassing a further 59 appearances as a substitute, and has scored 19 goals.

Ole has also confirmed Harry Maguire will continue to wear the captain's armband.