'I know I was right to leave Man Utd – they showed their true colours in contract offer'
Ashley Young, a former Manchester United player, reflects on his decision to leave the club, citing dissatisfaction with their contract offer as a key factor.
Ashley Young, who played for Manchester United for over eight years, announced he has no regrets about his departure from the club to join Inter Milan in January 2020. Young detailed feeling undervalued and cited the club's 'true colours' in their contract negotiations as pivotal in his decision to leave Old Trafford. His tenure with United saw him develop from a winger to a defensive player, and he won several major trophies during his time there, including the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League.
After being given a leadership role at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Young made the bold choice to vacate the captaincy to embrace a different footballing challenge in Italy, under manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan. This transition was a gamble that proved rewarding, earning him a Serie A title in his second season with the Italian club. His reflections indicate a firm belief that moving to Inter was the right choice, affirming his growth and success in a new environment compared to the stagnation he felt at Manchester United toward the end of his tenure.
Young's comments shed light on the experiences of professional athletes dealing with contract offers and career choices. They also highlight the challenges faced by players leaving distinguished clubs, especially when considering their value and position within that squad. His perspective may serve as a cautionary tale for other players in similar situations, demonstrating the importance of assessing options and taking control of their careers, especially in the competitive world of football.