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Football News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Ashley Young will be Man Utd captain next season

By Ollie Thomas

Published: 18:50, 4 August 2019 | Updated: 18:00, 29 September 2019

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Ashley Young will serve as the club’s captain this season – but is not assured of game time.

Young frequently donned the armband when selected last season as Antonio Valencia struggled with injury and Solskjaer has confirmed that the veteran will be given the job on a permanent basis for the 2019/20 campaign.

A huge achievement for Young: Five things to know…

    • Young will become Man Utd’s third captain in three seasons.
    • The previous two, Michael Carrick and Valencia, both left at the end of their respective seasons.
    • The full-back joins the likes of Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane as Man Utd club captains.
    • Young has made 180 appearances for the Red Devils.
    • He signed a contract in February, keeping him at the club until 2020.

Goalkeeper David de Gea wore the armband during their 2-2 draw with AC Milan in Cardiff earlier this week and when asked about the captaincy, Solskjaer revealed his plans.

He said: “David’s obviously in contention. Ash, when he’s on the pitch, will carry the armband. When Ash starts, he’ll be carrying the armband.”

Solskjaer then admitted the current situation is comparable to Gary Neville’s final season at the club. Whilst Neville was the official club captain, his limited game-time saw Nemanja Vidic led the side for most of the season, which means Young could hold the captaincy in title alone this term.

Man Utd spent £50 million on right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer, who is in line to replace the skipper in the line-up this season.

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Fans’ reaction

Young became something of a scapegoat last campaign after a string of poor performances. Many supporters were calling for his head, but Solskjaer stayed loyal to the veteran.

Man Utd fans appear to be underwhelmed at the announcement but many are convinced Young will not feature regularly for the Red Devils regardless.

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