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Newcastle must make move for Ashley Young

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OPINION

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has been left with serious problems at left-back and on the wings this season.

The Spaniard has only Paul Dummett as a senior left-back, while his wingers have failed to fulfil their potential this term. Luckily for the Spaniard, a move for Manchester United star Ashley Young would solve both those problems.

The 33-year-old, on a reported £110,000-per-week at Old Trafford [Source: Spotrac], will be out of contract with the Red Devils at the end of this season.

And, as long as Newcastle remain in the top flight by that time, the Magpies should seriously consider making a move for him once he becomes available.

The former Aston Villa man is in the back nine of his career, it’s true, but he remains a tremendously talented footballer capable of doing a job for a top side like United.

His versatility would be key in resolving two problem positions that have plagued Benitez through the early stages of this campaign.

Dummett remains the only natural left back the manager can call upon, leading to right back Javi Manquillo starting in the position against United on Saturday.

Young would provide an instant upgrade on the Wales international, providing far more pace and attacking ability without surrendering anything in the defensive side of the game.

He is, however, a winger by trade and he could operate in that position for the club as well. Kenedy will return to Chelsea once his loan spell ends in May, while Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy have flattered to deceive thus far in their Newcastle careers.

Young would be a superior option to either of those men. He still possesses the same pace and crossing ability that has punctuated his career, and he’d be a much more reliable option on the left hand side of midfield.

His wages might be an issue but at 33 years of age he should be expecting to receive a reduced wage at his next club. We can always hope, as well, that Newcastle will be in the hands of new owners who are actually willing to spend by next summer.

Either way the club should consider making a move for the former England international, if they do they’d be signing a player who can simultaneously solve two glaring issues in the Magpies team.

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