ASHLEY YOUNG made an instant impact on his first start for Inter Milan since signing in the January transfer window.
The former Manchester United man whipped in a delicious cross for striker Lautaro Martinez to head home to give them the lead over Cagliari at the San Siro.
Ashley Young celebrates his assist with goalscorer Lautaro MartinezCredit: EPA
Ashley Young quickly settles into life in ItalayCredit: ©UK Sports Pics Ltd / RemotePhotoPress
The Nerazzurri confirmed the transfer of Young last week on a six-month deal worth £1.28million, with the option for the club to extend it for another campaign.
Young, 34, is the first English player to play for Inter since Paul Ince in 2007
The goal means he now has more assists in Serie A and in the Premier League in the past year.
He failed to set up a league goal in his final 31 appearances for United – a run going back to December 2018.
Young spent nine seasons with the Red Devils, scoring 19 goals in 261 appearances.
He was a part of the side that won four major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League.
Inter however could only draw 1-1, after Radja Nainggolan, who is on loan from Inter, equalised against his parent club.
Then Martinez was sent off in injury time for two quick-fire bookings, the second for dissent, sparking angry scenes from manager Antonio Conte who confronted the referee.
Angry Antonio Conte confronts referee Gianluca ManganielloCredit: EPA
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recognised Young’s contribution to the Red Devils.
He said: “To be fair, I think it was for Ashley, he’s 35 in the summer and if he gets a two-year contract somewhere I think it’s up to him to take that.
“We weren’t ready to offer that, he’s been a good servant, captain, won trophies, league cups, but we’ve got players coming through and when Ashley’s head and mindset was on so why not now.”
Ashley Young makes his Inter Milan debut against CagliariCredit: ©UK Sports Pics Ltd / RemotePhotoPress
And now he joins the Serie A side who are looking to end Juventus’ run of eight league titles in a row.
Inter will close the gap to one point with a victory over Cagliari, but are still playing catch up on Maurizio Sarri’s team.
Meanwhile, United have been linked with Thomas Meunier as a potential replacement for the full-back.
Man United hope to complete Bruno Fernandes transfer this week as cash-strapped Sporting Lisbon lower demands
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
