Former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender Ashley Young is set to retire from professional football at 40 at the end of the season.

The former England international’s 23 years professional career is set to come to an end following a short spell with Ipswich Town, after he was released by Everton last year.

Young’s football journey began at Watford in 2003, where he progressed through the academy before breaking into the first team, making over 90 appearances, registering 19 goals and 17 assists, and helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League.

His performances earned him a move to Aston Villa in 2007, where he enjoyed his breakout years, making 190 appearances, contributed 38 goals and 59 assists.

In 2011, after his impressive time at Villa, he secured a huge move to Old Trafford playing for Manchester United in a nice year spell making over 261 appearances for the club, contributing over 60 goals and assists, and earning numerous honours including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League

After his time at Old Trafford, Young moved abroad to join Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title, before returning to England for a second spell at Aston Villa and later moving to Everton.

He later joined Ipswich Town on a one-year deal, but was hindered by injury, limiting him to just 13 appearances, with his final appearance coming in January in a 2–0 victory.

Young also represented the Three Lions with high distinction making his debut in 2007, earning 39 caps and scoring seven goals, being part of England’s squads for major tournaments including the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and the 2012 Euros.