From zero to hero, Ashley Young been reborn this 2014/15 campaign under new addition Louis van Gaal. He too has been almost like a new signing.
Starting out like a man on fire, this blaze was soon doused following his first few stunning performances for Manchester United, seemingly hitting the ground running. Nowadays you will find the winger delivering once more in order to retain his title of the top assister in the top flight or upholding the mantle at left-back and making off-the-line clearances. Not only has the manager instilled physical qualities such as trickery and pace back into his player, but self belief also.
It is admirable how the 29-year-old has broken away from his comparisons to Nani and Antonio Valencia – who have also failed to perform – and rightfully fought for the jersey. Although I can’t put my finger on quite what it was that inspired this turnaround, I can assume van Gaal’s ‘philosophy’ is somewhat of an attractive prospect and that the man in question wishes to be part of the club’s bright future.
In fact, the correlation between the England international’s incline and the Red Devils’ go hand-in-hand. Not only has our number 18 contributed to the season’s success but is an epitome of just how quickly things can change. Occasions when Young has started to repay his £16 million price tag include stepping in for David de Gea when launching the ball off the goal line from a Stoke player’s effort. Had he not done this, the Premier League outfit would have found themselves facing a mountainous task when facing Saints who sat looming just a place above them and perhaps not where they are today.
Five assists and many more crosses delivered – but unfortunately not pounced upon – along with a period at the left-back position in which he conceded only two goals (solidarity at it’s best for the Mats Hummels of this world) suggested the reinvigorated man is more versatile than first thought. His willingness to fill in on the flank whilst Luke Shaw looked on from the side lines and Daley Blind was utilized in midfield speaks volumes about the attacker’s attitude. And as he has retained his place on a Saturday afternoon, the Stevenage-born lad seemingly has life left in him for the club.
He’s been a key individual in getting Louis van Gaal’s side to European safety and avoiding a nail-biting end to the campaign in which Manchester United could find themselves devoid of Champions League football once more, and I personally can’t wait to see what he will bring to the competition.
