Ashley Young says he ‘couldn’t understand’ Manchester United’s decision to sell ‘unbelievable’ player Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgium international scored 42 goals in 96 matches for United before he moved to Inter Milan in 2019.
Lukaku has been outstanding in Italy, scoring 61 goals in 92 matches and helping Inter win their first Serie A title in 11 years under Antonio Conte.
Young, who also played for the Red devils before joining Inter, told Sky Sports: ‘I said it at the time, I couldn’t understand the decision [to sell Lukaku].
‘Whether it was made quickly or not, Romelu has proved a lot of people wrong. ‘He’s worked unbelievably hard. There was talk that he was overweight and couldn’t do this or that. He’s smashed record and made history in Italy, he’s been unbelievable for the club.
‘For me he was fantastic even in the Premier League, to go out there and face another challenge, I think it was the right choice for him. He deserves all the plaudits he is getting.’
Young held the captaincy at Old Trafford and was on the verge of a testimonial before he decided to leave the club and sign for Inter Milan.
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‘It became a massive decision,’ Young said. ‘I was club captain and going into my 10th year, but the club was evolving and changing.
‘Ole was there and he was doing really well. It was a decision I had to make in footballing terms. I knew how fit I was and I knew I could play week in and week out.
‘A lot is said about age, more so in England than in other countries. If you know how fit you are then there is no problem.
‘I sat down with Ole and asked about my chances of playing. He was truthful, I understood what he was saying, it was going to be limited. There was a contract put on the table.
‘But I didn’t want to be an afterthought, I did not want to sit there another year and play a bit part. I know I can get up and down like I was 20 years old.
‘Being told by one of the biggest teams in the world like Inter Milan that you are going to play every week, I told my representatives “let’s get the deal done”.’
