Key injury puts Man Utd star’s Serie A departure in serious doubt

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Ashley Young’s proposed move from Man Utd to Inter Milan has been thrown into question after an injury suffered by Roma superstar Nicolo Zaniolo has set up the prospect of a swap deal between the two Italian sides.

20-year-old Zaniolo – once dubbed a “perfect” Christian Eriksen replacement at Tottenham – ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Roma’s 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Sunday night.

The injury has left the side from the Italian capital desperately in need of midfield reinforcements, and Inter’s Matteo Politano has been touted as an ideal replacement.

Politano has struggled for game-time this season, racking up just 315 minutes for Antonio Conte’s side across all competitions.

Now, Sky Sports report that a swap deal between the two sides exchanging Politano and Roma full-back Leonardo Spinazzola could render a move for Young irrelevant.

The article states that Roma have: ‘set their eyes on Inter winger Politano to replace the 20-year-old,’ with Young ‘no longer required’ should a move materialise.

The veteran full-back has been a mainstay at Old Trafford dating back to the Sr Alex Ferguson days, but at 34 years of age, his time with the Red Devils appears to be coming to an end.

Young’s contract with the club expires this summer, and recent reports suggested the club had offered him a one year extension.

However, the player was said to have rejected that proposition, meaning the time is now if Man Utd are to recoup a fee before he can leave on a free in the summer window.

Meanwhile, Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken issue with Euro 2020 claims about rising forward Mason Greenwood.

The 18-year-old has shot to prominence in the current campaign, notching nine goals across all competitions.

Solskjaer was keen to stress the virtue of patience regarding his call-up to the senior international set-up, however.

“I think Mason will have a top and long career. Let the boy settle in now first before we talk about England and the Euros,” said the Norwegian.

“His focus has to be on playing more for us, improving and when he plays more for us that’ll happen by itself.

“He’s just been picked for the Under-21s so he’s focusing on his football.”