UK Edition
Manchester United stand-in captain Ashley Young wants new contract
Ashley Young was given the captain’s armband for Manchester United’s hugely impressive Champions League win over CSKA Moscow and is now hoping to earn a new contract under Jose Mourinho.
Young led United’s Russian rampage and has re-emerged as an important player in recent weeks. Now deployed most effectively as a wing back, Young’s present deal expires at the end of the season and he wants to remain at the club.
United are unlikely to discuss an extension until the New Year, but the 32-year-old is desperate to stay and feels the club are on the brink of something special under Jose Mourinho.
“It is exciting times here,” said Young. “And I want to be part of the success. As a footballer you want to win trophies and be part of a successful team. And for me Manchester United is that club.
“The most successful club in England and hopefully we can add to the trophies we won last season and hopefully win some more.
“I feel really good. Obviously getting the armband – it's is a proud moment to captain Man United. It is an honour for me to get the armband. It shows the manager has got trust in me and I’ve got to repay him and I think I’ve been doing that in the games I’ve played.
“I’ve managed to get myself fit, got myself back in the team and hopefully I can stay there.”
Having crushed CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night in one of their best European performances for years, United’s form suggests they should be regarded as potential winners of both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Such bold talk might be premature in September, but Young revealed United do not believe they should prioritise either at this stage. Given they are unbeaten this term, the confidence surging through the camp is obvious.
“Everyone wants to win every competition we are in,” added Young, aware of the fact United won two major trophies last season and have a far better squad this term. “There’s not a competition that we are going to prioritise. We want to go at it on all fronts, whether that be in Europe or domestically.
“We were delighted to win what we did last season but if we can add the Premier League, the League Cup again, the FA Cup, or Champions League... of course, you play in these big competitions to go and win them and that is exactly what we are looking to do and I think we’ve got the squad to do it.
“For example, last season we went to Southampton and drew the game there but this season we managed to get the three points. We had to defend and dig deep. This season we’ve started off strong, we’ve been winning games, we’ve been scoring a lot of goals.
“We want to keep this momentum going. When you are playing with confidence throughout the team it’s fantastic.”