Manchester United boss heaps praise on ‘terrific’ Ashley Young
Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by Ashley Young's start to his Manchester United career since moving from Aston Villa
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Ashley Young’s impact at Manchester United ahead of the winger’s return to his old club Aston Villa on Saturday.
Ferguson paid £17m to bring the England international to Old Trafford in June and the 26-year-old opened his United account with two goals in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal in August.
And the United manager believes the winger has added an extra dimension to the Premier League champions, who travel to Villa Park on Saturday evening.
“He’s a terrific option just behind the front man – we used him there against Benfica and he did well,” said Ferguson.
“In that respect, we got an all-round footballer. He’s a terrific crosser of the ball and his goal attempts have been good.
“He had a hat-trick of chances last week against Newcastle. That’s not a bad contribution for a wide player in terms of goal strikes. He’s done very well.”
Ferguson admits the 2009 PFA Young Player of the Year caught his eye at Villa last season after the former Watford winger scored nine Premier League goals, including a strike against United.
“Ashley had a fantastic season last year at Villa,” continued Ferguson. “He showed maturity coming into his game and that’s the thing that attracted me most of all.
“We decided to go for him because we knew, at 25 years of age, we were getting someone of maturity in the Premier League and he could also play several positions.”
