England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Manchester United star Ashley Young is going to use the summer to get over a ‘minor’ fitness problem, reports Sky Sports.
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As a result the winger has missed out on playing for the national team in their friendly against Ireland and Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia. Surprise inclusions of Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin in the squad had led to some fans asking why the 29-year-old wasn’t involved. This led to the Three Lions boss explaining the situation.
He said: “We made soundings with the United medical department with regards to Ashley and they led us to believe there was a slight issue with him which does need to get cleared up over the summer, so on this occasion we decided it was probably not the right moment to ask him to come back.
“I certainly have not called time on his (England) career as far as I know, so we will see how it goes in the future, and I congratulate him on the latter part of the season with Manchester United, where he has played very well.
“We are not blind to the fact he has played well but on this occasion we have preferred to stick with the ones who have been with us since Ashley last played, and also the medical department at United have informed us it might be better for him to use the summer to get over the minor problem he has had.
“If you want to know more about that you will have to speak to Manchester United.”
Red Devils fans will be hoping that the problem isn’t serious, with Young impressing throughout this season. After years of being maligned by supporters, the winger has been an important part of the team under new manager Louis van Gaal. He has made 25 Premier League appearances, scoring twice and creating another five goals for his teammates.
With only one game left in United’s campaign against relegation threatened Hull City, the wide man may not be risked in any further matches as a result of this news. Whatever the result of their game with the Tigers the Red Devils will finish fourth, so there is no reason to risk injury to get a result.