Manchester United star Ashley Young playing hardball with club over new contract despite what fans think

MANCHESTER UNITED star Ashley Young is playing hardball with the club over his proposed new contract, according to reports.

The England full-back, 33, is said to have been offered a new one-year deal at the club – much to fans’ disgust.

But Young will not blindly sign, and is thought to be demanding assurances over his spot in the first-team, according to ESPN, with Jose Mourinho tipped to bolster his defence in upcoming transfer windows.

Young was the first-choice left-back at Old Trafford last season – earning himself a spot in England’s World Cup squad in the process.

But the ex-Aston Villa man was bumped down the pecking order by a resurgent Luke Shaw before switching to right-back and replacing the injured Antonio Valencia.

United fans have long been crying out for out-and-out full-backs, rather than converted wingers – and could get their wish in January.

On hearing the news of Young’s potential contract extension, a handful of supporters took to Twitter to express their frustration.

One fan claimed: “Big mistake. Been a solid servant but his time is now up. He will only go backwards.

“Utd will never win anything relying on 33 year old players like Ashley.”

Another even wrote: “I am done with this club! He isn’t good enough. Why, God why are we renewing his contract?”