Ashley Young Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Status and Return

Manchester United winger Ashley Young was substituted due to injury during the first half of his team's clash with Liverpool on Sunday. It's unclear when he'll return to the field. 

Continue for updates.

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Van Gaal Comments on Young's Timeline

Friday, Jan. 22

Manager Louis van Gaal told reporters Young is set to undergo surgery on his "severe groin injury," and is expected to be out "a long time."

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Young Provides Valuable Depth for Manchester United 

Although Young isn’t a first-team regular, he’s a useful individual to have around the squad. In a group that has been much changed under the tutelage of Louis van Gaal, the winger is one of the most experienced players around and someone who knows all about the Old Trafford club.

During the Dutchman’s first season in charge at United, Young was forced to wait for his chance in the team. But when he did eventually get a run in his preferred position on the left flank, he impressed.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Young’s versatility is key for the Red Devils. While he can play on either flank or off the centre-forward, he has filled in as an emergency full-back for United. That kind of adaptability is central to any squad as suspensions and injuries mount up over the course of a season.

Even though Young isn’t an unmovable first-team presence, Van Gaal will want to get him back in the fold sooner rather than later.

After seizing his opportunity previously, the ex-Villa man will want to be ready to take his chance again in the starting XI, and that’s likely to drive him on in his recovery from this latest issue.