Ashley Young might be approaching veteran status but the full-back feels as fit as he did at 21 and would love to sign contract extension with Manchester United.
Having arrived from Aston Villa as a winger in 2011, the 33-year-old is now most regularly found at full-back having established himself as one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants.
Young, who helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals, saw his displays rewarded by United in March, with the club invoking the one-year contract extension option built into his deal.
That means Young’s contract is set to expire this summer, but he would like to stay at Old Trafford even longer.
“That’s up to the club,” Young, who turns 34 next July, said.
“I feel as fit as when I was 21 years old. As long as my legs can keep taking me up and down the pitch I’d love to stay here.”
Young certainly knows what it takes to perform for the Old Trafford giants, having won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League with them.
“When you join a club like Manchester United , as soon as you walk through the door, if you don’t know the history, give it a week you will know the history,” he said.
“You get that feel of the club, you know the size of the club. For me the biggest club in the world, always has been always will be.
“I know the history, the boys in the squad know the history. It’s all about winning trophies, silverware. That’s what the club is all about.
“You go into the museum, see what’s been won and want to be a part of that.
“I’ve been part of that and we’ve had successful years in the last couple of years.
“I’m 33 nearly 34 now that’s not changed for me. I still want trophies, still want to win things and that’s what everyone in the squad wants. Everyone wants to win.”
Young was understandably relieved to get that winning feeling back on Saturday, when United ended a four-match winless streak in the Premier League by comprehensively defeating Fulham.
The England defender opened the scoring in style to get the ball rolling in the 4-1 win, but it was opposing full-back Diogo Dalot who attracted most of the plaudits.
Signed from Porto in the summer, the 19-year-old was named man-of-the-match on just his second Premier League start thanks to his marauding runs, impressive crosses and defensive solidity.
“As soon as he came to the club he was injured so he took a little time to get back and get over that injury,” Young said
“It is an easy place to settle into. The team spirit we’ve got is fantastic. I’ve always said it. I think it’s more the press and journalists that say it’s not right, but it is a fantastic camp, the team bond is brilliant.
“For a young kid to come in and play like he’s been here for years has been fantastic. Brilliant for me to watch him.
“We play with high full-backs when you’ve got full-backs who can attack and defend it’s brilliant.
“It’s great to see such a young kid get up and down the pitch the way he did.”
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