Former Manchester United captain Ashley Young says he was left stunned by the club's decision to sell "unbelievable" Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan back in 2019.
The Belgian striker spent two years at Old Trafford after signing from Everton in 2017, bagging 42 goals in 96 appearances for the Red Devils.
Yet despite his impressive scoring record he was regularly criticised, and made the move to Serie A for a fee of around £75m.
Lukaku has been in superb form ever since arriving in Italy, and has inspired his side to the title this season.
Young followed Lukaku from United to Inter a few months later, and has also become an important part of Antonio Conte's team.
And speaking to Sky Sports, the 35-year-old stated his belief that United made a huge mistake in letting Lukaku go.
"I said it at the time, I couldn’t understand the decision [to sell Lukaku]," Young said.
"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 also reflected on his own decision to move on from United, and admitted it was a hugely difficult one to make.
"It became a massive decision," he added. "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.
"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'."
