Manchester United winger Ashley Young has thrown his weight behind’s Watford promotion bid ahead of their showdown at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The 29-year-old turned professional in July 2002 and made his debut for the Hornets in September 2003, scoring against Millwall with one of his first touches in a first-team shirt.

And writing on Twitter, Young said: “#tbt [Throwback Thursday] when I got promoted with @watfordfcsays, what a day! Hopefully see them back in the Premier League next season.”

The Stevenage-born wideman was part of the 2005/06 side which reached the Premiership via the Championship play-offs before leaving for Aston Villa in January 2007 for a club-record sale figure of £9.65 million.

 

Accompanying the tweet is a picture of Young and then-Golden Boys boss Aidy Boothroyd, who is currently head coach of the England Under-20s side.

Young has since gone on to join Manchester United and win 30 caps for England.

Speaking recently, Boothroyd said: “I am delighted that Watford are doing well because I spent three-and-a-half brilliant years there and had a great time so I am delighted for the Watford fans.

“And if they can continue the progress they have made they will be a force and finish in the automatic places or play-offs and perhaps get promoted.

“Of course [I still have an affection for Watford]. I loved my time there. It helped me develop as a coach and manager being given the opportunity at Watford,” he added.