Former Manchester United and England star Ashley Young has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, bringing an end to a distinguished 23-year playing career.…....
The veteran wide player and defender confirmed the news on his social media accounts, reflecting on an extensive journey that took him from his boyhood club Watford to a final chapter with Ipswich Town.
Young revealed that his playing days will conclude at the end of the current campaign, with his focus firmly set on helping the Tractor Boys in their push for promotion back to the Premier League.
The versatile athlete enjoyed a highly decorated career at the summit of European football, most notably during a successful nine-year stint at Old Trafford.
Reports from ESPN highlight that during his time with Manchester United, Young won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and the League Cup.
His habit of collecting major silverware continued abroad when he moved to Italy and secured the Serie A title with Inter Milan during the 2020–21 campaign.
Beyond his domestic success, Young earned 39 caps for the England national team and represented the Three Lions at both Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup.
According to The Sun, Young has been limited by a persistent hip problem in the latter half of the season and has not featured on the pitch for Ipswich Town since January.
Despite the physical setbacks of his final year, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna paid glowing tribute to his leadership and daily professionalism.
McKenna, who previously worked with the player at Manchester United, told the club’s official website that Young’s competitiveness and quality have had a massive impact on the squad as they prepare for their final push.
Young stated in his emotional farewell message that he has lived his dream over the last two decades and will take time over the coming months to decide on his next career step.
He noted that Saturday’s crucial fixture against Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road might be the last game of his professional career.
Supporters and former teammates, including former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, have flooded social media to congratulate the player on his remarkable longevity and legendary contributions to the sport.
Where does Ashley Young rank among Manchester United’s modern greats?
