Manchester United ace Ashley Young continues to star for Red Devils after adapting to new role in side
The 32-year-old has slotted seamlessly into left-back for United this season, becoming one of Jose Mourinho's key players
IT takes some nerve to put the Premier League’s record signing in his place.
But as he has once again demonstrated, Ashley Young is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers — even Paul Pogba’s — on a mission to deliver for Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Remarkably, the 32-year-old looks certain to make an improbable journey from United's reserves to Russia 2018.
Young is proving to be one of Mourinho’s stars of the season, impressing in his latest role at left wing-back.
It was Louis van Gaal who first used him in this role, claiming Young was the “most coachable” player he had ever worked with as he can play on either flank.
He joined United from Aston Villa for £17million in 2011, although Tuesday’s two-goal performance was just his 101st league start for the club.
This is mainly due to the string of expensive signings brought in, particularly in offensive positions, which have had an impact on Young before his positional switch.
Young is a chippy, opinionated individual and despite enjoying a warm reception from the majority of Watford’s fans during Tuesday’s 4-2 win, it was curious behaviour to cup an ear at the corner flag in front of the home fans after scoring the first.
After grabbing a brilliant second from a free-kick, Young slid on his knees and, stupidly, pretended to be holding a shot gun.
Young only scored that goal by telling £89million man Pogba that he was not taking the free-kick — something which surprised but also amused United manager Mourinho.
LATEST MAN UTD NEWS
Equally, both on the training pitch and during games, Young has a reputation for dishing out strong views to his team-mates.
While the players may not always like his opinions, Young earns their respect as a result.
Others with more talent should look at his example. Luke Shaw is a left-back with massive potential and could be a world-class defender — but he needs to be stronger mentally and look after himself physically. Mourinho has never been afraid to criticise Shaw, though often praises Young.
While there is a decade between them, it looks as though Young could be heading to the World Cup with Gareth Southgate — and Shaw will be left at home.
Equally, United have an option of an extra year on his contract which runs out this summer, although Young wants to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of his career.
Shaw, meanwhile, looks as though he will be allowed to leave by Mourinho and is set to join Tottenham.
After four years in the international wilderness, Young was recalled for the last two friendlies and made his 31st England appearance as an 80th-minute replacement for Ryan Bertrand in the goalless draw against Brazil.
When it comes to playing with pressure for a major club, dealing with expectancy and being in a dressing room full of massive egos, Young has more experience than many of his Three Lions colleagues.
Another obvious comparison is between Dele Alli and Young.
The Spurs star told Young to “retire with a zimmer frame” during his team’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.
The two players clashed in the first half at Old Trafford and Young responded to the Tottenham midfielder by saying: “Let me know when you win the Prem.”
Young had another dig at Dele later with a post on social media which read: “Great team spirit. Very good result. Talk is cheap.”
Dele is another player with bagloads of talent — certainly more than his new enemy. Equally, though, he needs to be at the top of his game on a consistent basis. Then he can start thinking about winning things.
It is difficult to warm to Young but he is a winner. And Southgate, along with Mourinho, needs a few more of those in his squad.
Manchest
