With the games coming in thick and fast over the festive period, Jose Mourinho’s hand may be forced over the coming weeks so as to keep his side fresh.

United have six games over the next 18 days starting with the trip to Bristol City for the first leg of their EFL Cup quarter-final tie.

And according to The Sun, United are worried that Young could get tired.

The report says conditioning staff have been looking at his fitness data and he could be given a rest.

It is not suggested Mourinho will object and he took the 32-year-old out of his starting line-up in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth last week.

An Old Trafford source told The Sun: “The club are concerned Ashley is risking a bit of burnout and are treading carefully.

“He has had a small rest, but not enough. He has played so many games this season and has been fantastic.

“The conditioning staff have seen the data and want to preserve his ageing legs coming into the busy period.

“He has a history of niggles and that is another reason why the backroom staff are being cautious.”

Young has been an ever-present feature at left-back this term, but Mourinho is hoping to make a swoop for Tottenham star Danny Rose to strengthen in that area should Luke Shaw leave.