Ashley Young

At 39 years old, Ashley Young has this physical status:

Ashley Simon Young (born 9 July 1985) is an English professional footballer who plays either as a winger or full back for Manchester United and the England national team. Young was born and raised in Hertfordshire, begining his career at Watford in 2003 under Ray Lewington's leadership.

In 2004, he was a regular on the Watford first team, and he was one of the main players in their promotion winning 2005–06 season.

Young continued to play well for Watford in the Premier League, and in January 2007, he moved to Aston Villa for £8 million, escalating to £9.65 million with add-ons.

He made his mark in Villa Park's first team and was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2009.

Young was signed by Manchester United for an undisclosed fee on June 23, 2011.

He has won every trophy in English football, including the FA Community Shield in 2011, the Premier League in 2011, and the EFL Cup in 2017.

He won European silverware in May 2017 as part of the United squad that lifted the UEFA Europa League from the United States. Young played for England under the age of 21, and he has since gained 39 senior caps, scoring 7 goals.

Personal life

Young was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. Lewis, who made his Watford debut in 2008, and Kyle, who was learning at the Arsenal Academy in April 2009, have one older brother and two football-playing younger brothers. Young attended The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage and spent school with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who was in the same year. Young's Jamaican-born father supports Tottenham Hotspur, while Young himself, like his older brother, prefers Arsenal. Ian Wright, his hero and "role model on and off the field," was his role model. Young has been married to Nicky Pike since June 2015. They had intended a wedding in 2011, but decided against it two days before.

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Club career

At ten years of age, young joined the Watford academy system. He stayed at the club until the summer of 2001, when the club told him that he would not be able to receive a full scholarship and would look for another team. Despite being turned away, Young continued to play for the club on a part-time basis and promised to develop himself as a player and make it to the first team. Despite being 16 years old and playing games until the end of the season, he began training with the Under-18s and was playing. He progressed to the Under-21s and was eventually offered a professional contract by the club. In September 2003, the 18-year-old boy made his first-team debut under Ray Lewington, scoring as a substitute against Millwall. He made his first appearance for the club in the League Cup this season, scoring three goals on his first appearance. Young came to prominence in the 2004–05 season, appearing in 34 of Watford's league games as they struggled to stay in the Championship. Despite the fact that he was struggling to find the net, the club's Young Player of the Season award was given to him this season.

Young was given a new lease on life as a striker and right winger under Aidy Boothroyd's 2005-06 season. Young played in 41 League games, scoring 15 times, including a playoff semi-final goal against Crystal Palace, as Watford qualified for the play-offs and then defeated Leeds United 3–0 to advance to the Premier League. Young scored a number of memorable goals over the course of the season, including free-kicks against Plymouth Argyle and Leeds, a shot into the top corner from 30 yards out against Coventry City, and a curling shot against Queens Park Rangers. Young was suspended for the first time in his career in the local derby away from Luton Town, but not during this season.

Young started Watford's 2006–07 Premier League season with a three-point draw with Fulham (he had also scored in the match) and a goal against Middlesbrough in Watford's first victory of the season in October. In a 2–1 home victory over Hull City in the League Cup, he scored a free-kick. In January 2007, three unidentified clubs made £5 million bids for the under-21 international. Watford turned down these proposals, as well as an unidentified club's offer of £7 million. West Ham United's most recent bid of nearly £10 million was accepted. Young, on the other hand, turned down the transfer in favour of waiting for offers from clubs for whom relegation was not a concern.

Aston Villa completed the Young contract on January 23 for £8 million (rising to £9.65 million with add-ons). This was the highest fee Aston Villa had ever paid for a player at the time. He scored on his first appearance for Villa at St James' Park against Newcastle United on January 31, 2007, but Villa lost 3–1. Young started the 2007-08 season off with several Man of the Match awards, culminating in a call-up to the England squad.

Young finished second in assists with 17. Young was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, and apart from Portsmouth's David James, the only other player not from any of the 'Big Four' (Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United) made it into the best XI of the season.

Young was a striker and assisted two goals for Aston Villa against Birmingham City at Villa Park on April 20, 2008, and Villa defeated them 5–1. In Villa's home leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round, he was also the winner against Danish club Odense Boldklub. Young received the Premier League Player of the Month award on October 10, 2008. This was due to his success in the 2008–2009 Premier League season. Young, who received the award in April 2008, joins a long list of players who have earned the award more than once, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Steven Gerrard. Young had two goals in the 3–2 win over Everton, one being an injury time winner after Everton's Joleon Lescott, a boyhood Villa supporter, had equalised seconds seconds earlier. In the post-match press conference, manager Martin O'Neill later described the player as 'world-class'. On November 4, 2008, Young agreed to a new four-year deal before 2012. Young was named Premier League Player of the Month for December, as well as O'Neill, who was named the Month's Manager of the Month award on January 10. He was the first person to win three Premier League Player of the Month awards in the same year. Young was suspended after a match against Sunderland on January 18, 2009, after a two-foot foul on Sunderland's Dean Whitehead. He received the PFA Young Player of the Year award on April 26, 2009.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield on August 24, 2009, with Young scoring a penalty. In a home tie against Rapid Wien in the UEFA Europa League, he did, however, miss a penalty three days later. Young earned two points in the first half of the match (one that he missed and the other that was converted by James Milner) as Aston Villa were barred from the tournament on the away goals rule.

Young, the club's vice captain of the club and played in a new free role behind the striker, allowing him to move from wing to center and back to wing during the 2010-11 season. Young scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a direct free-kick in the Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers on September 18, 2010. In 39 appearances for Villa in all competitions, he had nine goals and fourteen assists in 39 appearances. Young said he would not make a decision on his future until the end of the season, with one year remaining on his current deal. New Villa boss Alex McLeish revealed on June 20 that he was resigned to losing Young, saying, "It's not confirmed yet, but it does seem likely."

Young completed a transfer to Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, according to reports, who survived a medical the day before, defeating Liverpool to the signing. He has joined the club for five years. He was given the number 18 shirt that had been worn by Paul Scholes before. In a 3–2 victory over Manchester City in the 2011 FA Community Shield, he made his debut for United, playing the entire 90 minutes and giving an assist.

In a 2–1 away win, he made his league debut for United against West Bromwich Albion on August 14, setting up Wayne Rooney's first goal and forcing an own goal after a run down the left flank and cross. In an 8–2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 28, he scored his first two goals for the club. Both were initiated after being cut inside from the left flank and bending two right foot shots into the far corner. Young made his UEFA Champions League debut against Basel on September 27, 2011, scoring a headed goal in the 90th minute to help Manchester United win a 3-3 draw. Young returned to action at Stamford Bridge in a 3–3 Premier League draw against Chelsea on February 5th, 2012 after a long-term injury. In a Europa League 2–0 away victory over Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena on February 16, he scored a goal for the lead. Young scored two goals and assisted against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in a 3–1 Premier League victory on March 4, 2012. In a 2–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on April 2, he scored in a 2–0 victory.

Young got off to a good start in Louis van Gaal's first competitive game on August 16, 2014 as a wing-back in a 3–5–2 formation, which saw United lose 21-01 to Swansea City. During a 1–1 draw against Stoke City on January 1, 2015, he sustained a hamstring injury. Young made his return to action against Cambridge United on February 3rd, beating them 3–0, and the Marcos Rojo came in in the 81st minute. In a 1–0 victory over Newcastle United on March 4, Young scored his first goal of the season. He was named Man of the Match on Sunday after scoring the equalizing goal and giving two assists in a 4–2 home win over Manchester City on April 12. He was instrumental in United's 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace on May 9th, with him winning a penalty that Juan Mata converted and assisting Marouane Fellaini's header, resulting in him being Man of the Match once more. Young was back in action in the following match on May 17th, this time for Ander Herrera's volley against Arsenal, which resulted in a 1–1 draw. Young spent the season on both the wing and at wing-back under Van Gaal, the former being in a position where the manager felt was his best.

Young agreed to a new three-year deal with Manchester United on August 7, 2015, extending his contract until June 2018, with the possibility of extending it one year. Young's debuts at the start of the season were poor, with him only getting off to a good start in United's opening seven Premier League games, this time against Tottenham Hotspur. In a 3–1 victory over Liverpool on September 12, Young played through debutant Anthony Martial's first goal for the club. Young was forced to start the XI at left-back against Arsenal on October 4th, resulting in a 3–0 away loss. On Friday, he started right-back against West Brom, which resulted in a 2–0 victory for United; this was a position he occupied often during November, December, and January due to injury to Antonio Valencia. Young, who was assisted by Anthony Martial with a cross into the box on January 2nd, opened scoring against Swansea City, who beat United 2–1. Young suffered a "severe groin injury" against Liverpool on January 17th, which resulted in him being sidelined for several months. He made his return against Tottenham Hotspur on April 10th, replacing Marcus Rashford at halftime while playing front in a 3–0 loss. Van Gaal was heavily chastised for his decision to play Young as a striker, but the Dutchman defended his conduct by saying he "wanted more running in behind." Young played his only goal of the season on May 17th, his only goal of the season, in a 3–1 victory over AFC Bournemouth after coming on as a replacement for Anthony Martial. He gained the FA Cup after beating Crystal Palace 2–1 in the final after extra time, playing both striker and left-back after naming Marcus Rashford in the 72nd minute, his third domestic trophy with the club.

Young's game time was limited in the first half of the season due to José Mourinho's appointment as manager. In a 1–0 loss, Juan Mata's first appearance in the Europa League was on September 15, 2016, against Feyenoord. In the EFL Cup's first game against Northampton Town on September 21, he was playing on the wing. Young was a substitute in the next two games against Leicester City in a 4–1 league victory on September 24 and September 29 against Zorya Luhansk in a 1–0 victory in the Europa League. Young managed to make four appearances from October to January, many of whom were on wingback or full back. Despite being limited for chances, one of these was against Liverpool on October 17th in a 0–0 draw at Anfield against Liverpool. In the FA Cup's second round victory, he got off to a 190 minute start against Blackburn Rovers on February 19, 2017. Young began to play more often after this game, with a large number of players playing in March and April. He was an unreserved substitute for the 2017 EFL Cup Final against Southampton on February 26, which United defeated 32-0. On 19 March against Middlesbrough, Young earned his first assist of the season by crossing the ball to Marouane Fellaini, who went in the first goal of a 3-1 victory. Young captained Manchester United for the first time against Chelsea on 16 April for the first time. After arriving on for Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 78th minute, his season came to an end after suffering an injury against Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final first leg on May 4th.

Young's first appearance in the Champions League came on September 12th, with a cross to Marouane Fellaini in the 35th minute. In United's 4–0 victory over Everton on September 17th, his result led him to start at left-back. In a 4–2 win over Vicarage Road on Saturday, Young scored a brace against his former club Watford, the first time since March 2012, with one of them being a 30-yard freekick into the top left corner.

Young agreed to a new deal with Manchester United until 2020 in February 2019. In August 2019, he was named as United's club captain.

Young scored his last goal of his Manchester United career on December 12, 2019, scoring his first goal in a 4-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League's group stages.

Young joined Inter Milan in Italy on January 17 for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, with the possibility to extend for another season. According to reports, the transfer fee was around €1.5 million (£1.28 million). Victor Moses and Christian Eriksen joined Inter Milan as two former Premier League players in the same window, with Victor Moses and Christian Eriksen joining the club shortly after. Young was the help for Lautaro Martez in a 1–1 draw against Cagliari in his first game for the club. In a 2–1 loss to Lazio on February 16, he scored his first goal for the team.

Inter took the 2020-21 Serie A Championships. Young became Italy's third Englishman to win the league championship, the first being Jimmy Greaves in 1962 and 1963, later for the Nerazzurri.

Young signed a one-year deal with Aston Villa on June 17th for his second spell. He officially joined Villa on July 1st, when his Internation deal came to an end. Young made his Villa debut on August 14th in a 3–2 loss at former Watford.

Young was released by Villa on June 10, 2022. On July 1, he became a free agent, but the club announced on July that Young had re-signed for another season until 2023. Young was named team captain for the forthcoming season on July 27th, with John McGinn named on-field captain for the first season.

In a 1-1 away draw in the Premier League on October 10, 2022, he scored from 25 yards against Nottingham Forest. It was his first goal in his second spell at Aston Villa, with his previous one for the Villains coming in 2011.

International career

Young received a call-up to Peter Taylor's England Under-21 League squad in February 2006, as a result of his appearance for Watford during the 2005-06 season. Chris Eagles was recalled in the team's match against an Italian Serie B squad. Young got off to a 0 win in the first half of the season after being on the Eagles. His continued form into the 2006–07 season earned him his first England under-21 call-up to face Switzerland in September 2006. Young played the final 15 minutes of the match as England defeated 3–2, top their group, and winning the 2007 European Under-21 Championship, beating England. Young played three times in the finals. England defeated Netherlands on a semi-final penalty shoot-out, scoring twice in the shoot-out. He won 10 caps for the under-21s from 2006 to 2007.

Young was called up to the full England squad for the first time in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers against Russia and Israel on August 31. He had been called up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. Young made his international debut on November 16, 2007 by appearing as a half-time replacement for England in a friendly against Austria. He appeared in the England friendly against Germany in November 2008 and has since been playing as a second-half substitute. In Fabio Capello's England squad's friendly against the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena on August 12, he was also a member of the starting XI. Young did not make it into Capello's 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Young made his first appearance for England in a Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro on October 12th. On February 9, 2011, he scored his first international goal in a friendly against Denmark, which was the winning goal. Young scored against Switzerland on June 4, 2011, when he earned the equalizer with a volley from the edge of the field after being taken off the bench for Frank Lampard at halftime. England defeated Wales 1–0 on September 6, 2011 in Europa 2012 qualifying 1–0 win. Young scored the only goal for the team against Wales on September 6, 2011. He scored England's first goal against Montenegro on October 7, 2011 and set up Darren Bent for the second time. England qualified for qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012 by playing 2–2 in the match. Young scored his fifth international goal in a 3–2 loss to the Netherlands in a friendly match played at Wembley Stadium on February 29, 2012.

Young scored his sixth goal as well as his fourth straight international goal in a UEFA Euro 2012 warm-up match against Norway on May 26th. In four straight international appearances, he became the first English footballer since Wayne Rooney to score in four straight international appearances. He assisted England in England's first goal in his next match against Belgium. Young played in all four of England's matches at Euro 2012, culminating in a quarter-final loss to Italy on penalties; Young was one of two England players to miss his penalty as Italy defeated 4–2 to advance to the semi-final against Germany. Ashley Cole, the other unemployed player, was raped online for the missing, which was investigated by the police.

Young was recalled by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming friendly matches against Germany and Brazil on November 2nd, 2017. He had not been called up to the national team for nearly four years. He was in the 80th minute when Ryan Bertrand was called to the field for the second game on November 14th, resulting in a 0–0 draw.

Young was selected in Southgate's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was England's first-choice left-back in Russia, playing the entirety of the team's first two group matches against Tunisia and Panama. Young was rested for the final game against Belgium after winning both matches before returning to Group H's round of 16 tie against Colombia, who are ranked 68 percent out of place. Young was forced to extra time by Danny Rose 12 minutes into the additional session but did not participate in the penalty shoot-out after the match ended as a 1–1 draw. England defeated 4-3 on penalties and advanced to a quarter-final against Sweden, against whom Young performed the full 90 minutes as England defeated Sweden 2–0, with Young assisting Harry Maguire's opening goal from a corner. Young started the game against Croatia in the semi-finals, but Rose was forced to leave early in the match, with the score tied at 1–1 after 90 minutes. England eventually lost the match 2–1, and Young did not participate in the third place play-off against Belgium.

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