By Dave Marshall
Manchester United are ready to rest England international, Ashley Young during this festive period in a bid to save him from burnout. The 32 year old former Aston Villa has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season, as he has become the club’s first choice left back as the likes of Daley Blind and Luke Shaw have struggled to impress in that position.
With United facing a hectic Christmas schedule of 6 matches in 17 days, Young may be rested by manager, Jose Mourinho who will be looking to keep him fit for the business end of the season. The 20-time English champions face Championship outfit, Bristol City on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, a game which we are expected to win as we bid to defend the title we won last season.
Young may be rested for this game as Luke Shaw is expected to feature in his stead, with the young left back looking to impress his manager. Despite being primarily a winger, he has been deployed as a leftback, and has risen to the occasion on numerous times. The Sun report that the player will be rested in a bid to save him from fatigue.
As culled from Daily Star, a source close to the club was quoted as saying, “He has had a small rest, but not enough. He has played so many games this season and has been fantastic” “The club are concerned Ashley is risking a bit of burnout and are treading carefully.
“The conditioning staff have seen the data and want to preserve his ageing legs coming into the busy period.” “He has a history of niggles and that is another reason why the backroom staff are being cautious.”
Young is primarily a winger that can play on the right or left but has evolved into a decent fullback in recent years, doing his bit for the team. The club have been linked to signing a new leftback in January with the likes of Alex Sandro and Danny Rose being mentioned as possible arrivals at The Theatre of Dreams.
He joined United in the summer of 2011 and has since won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup in his six years at the club.
