You might presume that Manchester United wing-back Ashley Young thought the chances of him playing for the Red Devils, let alone England last season were all but over. The 32-year-old found himself almost abandoned in Jose Mourinho’s squad, and was often not even picked for a matchday squad.

Strong links to China intensified during January of this year too, and many would have tipped Young to exit in search of more regular football as he comes towards the ‘end’ of his career.

Young had flourished when he initially joined United from Aston Villa, and made regular international appearances for England. However, his final England appearance came over 4 years ago, when he was selected by then manager Roy Hodgson back in September 2013. With almost half a decade since his last bow on the international stage, surely Young must’ve thought his time was up.

Apparently not. After being called up by Gareth Southgate for the World Cup warm-ups against Germany and Brazil, Young has admitted he ‘never once shut the door on England or thought the door was shut on myself’.

Young has admitted he prefers to play further forward than he does at United, and probably will be deployed for England, but says he feels he can fill the role.

“The manager is talking about a 3-4-3 or wing-backs or 3-5-2 and I feel like I can step into that role. I’ve shown I am deserving to be in the England squad but I don’t just want a place in the squad, I want to be in the team.”

Young also made interesting comments about his time at Manchester United, persistently saying he has played for three managers during his time at the club – when in fact there are four. He was asked to clarify the number and said people can read something into it ‘if they want’, perhaps a dig at David Moyes?

“A lot’s been said about me playing for three different managers,” Young said of his United career.

“Even the England manager said the other day that I have played for three managers there and they have always believed in me.

“They have always had that trust in me to play, Champions League, Europa League, big derbies, I’ve always had their trust to play in those games. I think there did come a point last season where I wasn’t in the squad, wasn’t even making the 18. It was disappointing but I have never thought about leaving the club.

“I’ve always got that determination, to get back in the squad and get back playing. I’ve spoken to all three managers at times when there was difficult periods but I have got confidence in myself, confidence in my ability get back in.

Young also spoke about his spat with fellow international Dele Alli, who told 32-year-old to ‘retire with a zimmer frame’, prompting Young to respond ‘let me know when you win the Prem’. Alli won’t be a part of the upcoming England squad through injury, but Young insists there is no problem between the two of them.

“Yes, he’s a confident player. That gives him that edge,” he said.

[Quotes via Telegraph]