Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho’s gesture to allow Ashley Young to enjoy the applause of Old Trafford faithful
Young has been oustanding forcing his way back into Mourinho's plans to establish himelf as the first choice left-back ahead of Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho hauled off Ashley Young against Tottenham on Saturday just so he could receive a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful.
Young was again outstanding in the must win game and is establishing himself as the first-choice left wing-back ahead of Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw.
The wideman was replaced by Darmian in the 89th minute to huge applause from the home fans, a deliberate ploy by Mourinho to reward Young for his superb performances this season.
He was heavily involved in the Spurs win and came out on top in a running feud with Dele Alli throughout the game.
The pair clashed repeatedly with Young landing a verbal blow on the Spurs star by asking him what he had won during his career.
Young, 32, looked to be leaving Old Trafford in the summer with Stoke City showing interest, while a lucrative move to China with Shandong Luneng was rebuffed in January.
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West Ham, West Brom, Watford and Burnley were all keen on him on loan at the turn of the year.
However, Mourinho told Young he wanted him to stay and has continually made it clear how important he is to his plans at the club and how much he is trusted to carry out his instructions on the pitch.
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Young is one of the longest-serving players at United after leaving Villa Park in 2011 for £17million.
He signed a new deal in 2015 under former boss Louis Van Gaal and has another year left with an option for a further 12 months.
