Ashley Young - first impressions

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

He's English we need English players to comply with homegrown rules in the league and in Europe too, which is going to increase. Because of these rules we must try and get the best English players out there and Young is one of them in my opinion.

6 English players started against Ajax the other night and 2 more (Welbeck and Scholes) came off the bench and another (Smalling) was unused. Compare this to Chelsea yesterday, who started 3 and had 1 on the bench. Ashley Cole was missing, if he wasn't Bertrand wouldn't have played. Terry was also missing, I presume he would have played instead of Luiz but that's not for certain. But in terms of the best English players, is Cahill one of the best? I'm not sure. Sturridge is and could be a lot better in a few years.

As for whether he's better than Mata... no he isn't but Mata was bought by Chelsea as first choice, Young was signed to add more quality to the squad. £4m cheaper than Downing. Good signing.

[IrishManc.]

Is a Mata Young comparison a fair one? Young has missed parts of the season through injury and had not had a sustained run in the team for some time. At this moment in time I don't think a fair conclusion of Young's first season can be made due to his injury troubles. Another reason why I think a comparison is unfair is because the two play in two different positions. I wouldn't class Mata as a winger and he wouldn't fit into our system. Stats wise the two are not disimilar - Young has 4 goals and 6 assists in 19 appearances and Mata has 8 goals and 11 assists in 28 appearances.

I reckon Mata could play on the wing. He's adaptable, like Young. Young certainly has been unlucky with injuries but it was evident before his injuries that Mata was a better player. Maybe it was down to Young being English as Jason says. However I don't think there is much point buying a lad for 18 million and having him on over 100k a week just to have as a squad player. I personally feel Fergie felt Young could get to the next level after joining United, like Yorke did in the past. Time will tell whether he can or not.

[Sideshow Bob]

Mata could play on the wing, he would drift into central areas just like Park. I disagree it was evident Mata was a better player before Young's injury. Young was highly praised for his early season form, that's not to say Mata is the better player. When buying a player I think fitting formations and systems - in Fergie's system Young is the better option in my opinion. I think Mata is more suited/better in a 433 as a wide forward.

[IrishManc.]

Yeah Young is more suited to our system. I remember Fergie saying something in the summer that the players input is very important when deciding on potential transfers so I'd imagine they had a word in his ear from witnessing him first hand at England duty. As you say Young had a great start so hopefully now he's over his injuries he can recapture that form, especially with Tony V out.

[Sideshow Bob]

I was begging Young to put in the perfect cross and thankfully he delivered. Thought he did well when he came on. His stats are okay and he's got more to give.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Thought he changed the game when he came on, did very well, hope he can get playing more regularly now and playing better.

[se7en]

Much better today

[Scholesy18]

I'd written an article about the importance of Young and why he isn't an average player as so many label him on twitter. wrote that as a guest writer for a United blog. He did exactly what I knew was coming from him and is going to come a lot more of.

[Sideshow Bob]

Not Young's best game but two well taken goals.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

... and an assist from a corner!

[IrishManc.]

Was going to say the same. Two great goals - first one was actually really well taken. Apart from that he was quiet - like the rest of the team really.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Personally think he grew in confidence as the game went on, looked more of a threat. Hopefully he'll stay free of injury and continue to improve.

[se7en]

Poor, ineffective.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

He was OK tonight, with Nani back i'd imagine he'll lose his place though as I think Nani is better, offering more both defensively and offensively. Will perhaps be rejuvenated now too after having a little break.

[se7en]

Lot more than ok i thought never stopped working

[se7en]

[IrishManc.]

Super goal from Young. He was just what we needed from the bench last night - we were getting into great positions but nobody was pulling the bloody trigger and shooting. Hopefully gives him confidence to kick on for the next few games.

[Sideshow Bob]

Young has won two penalties in the last week. The wrong decision was made against QPR but today Halsey make the correct decision. The dive was theatrical but there was definite contact.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Yes. There's contact. Thing that annoys was that he probably didn't need to go down and could have scored or created.

[se7en]

Made a lot out of it but it's still a pen regardless.

[S.E.Arising]

Fergie on Young: "I've had a word with Ashley. He understands where we're coming from and I hope it makes a difference."

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe....aspx?pageNo=1

[SDLRob]

in other words....'stay on your feet you muppet' LOL

[Sideshow Bob]

Thought Young was excellent yesterday, he was my man of the match. I liked his drive and urgency.

Overall, Young has been pretty good in his first season. He struggled for a period due to injuries but when he's had an extended run in the team he's done well.