At the start of the season, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave Ashley Young an opportunity to prove his worth at the club. In the first three games of the season, the 29 year old played well, but after picking up a groin injury after the Burnley game, he felt out of selection and has only played 14 minutes against West Brom since.

Young’s contract at the club doesn’t expire till the summer of 2016, but it doesn’t look like he will be offered a contract extension anytime soon. With the density of the Red Devils midfield especially on the left, Young doesn’t really have a chance of breaking back into the squad unless a lot of players become injured or suspended. He is therefore more likely to receive more playing time if he leaves the club.

If he does decide to leave, here are FIVE possible clubs he could play for next...

[ffc-gallery]Click on the man himself to reveal

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Aston Villa

A move back to his previous club, Aston Villa, could be an option for Ashley Young. Villa will be looking to spend in January to bolster their squad due to their disappointing form recently. The club has only managed to score five goals this season. Bringing Young back to the club would provide another player in attack for opposing defences to consider and increase the amount of goals they score.

Sunderland

Young was also linked with a move to Sunderland over the last summer. Currently William Buckley plays most often in right midfield for the Black Cats, but he hasn’t been playing with consistency. Young could be brought in to replace him to provide more assists and opportunities for Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham to score.

Southampton

Southampton was also linked with Young during this past summer. Whilst now with the Saints fantastic position in the league purchasing Young may not be a necessity, he may still be brought in in order to provide competition against Shane Long, Steven Davis, and Jack Cork. This competition is needed to keep the Saints pushing towards a European finish, rather than slipping back down the table like they did last season.

Real Sociedad

A move to Real Sociedad would see Young link up with former Manchester United manager David Moyes. Whilst the Scotsman was at the Red Devils, the Englishman was used frequently, making 30 appearances in all competitions. The 29 year old may be brought in to help the Spanish club remove themselves from danger in La Liga.

Newcastle United

Another club linked with Ashley Young’s services is Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s side has recently hit a run of good form, winning their last four games which have caused them to shoot up the table. Similar to Southampton, to keep the Magpies in this position in the table and away from the relegation zone, they need competition amongst their players for places to keep them on their toes. Young would beneficially add to their position competition, and a transfer there would bring the best out of himself, Yoan Gouffran, and Remy Cabella.