This headline seemed unlikely at the start of the season with many presuming, due to the arrival of Angel Di Maria, that the England winger would only ever feature as a backup player, and that possibly Ashley Young’s time at Old Trafford was up.
However, now the biggest surprise is that it has taken Young up until May to win a Player of the Month accolade. Young made two assists in four matches throughout May, after numerous successful crosses – which with higher quality frontmen on the end of them may have yielded more successful results. He also provided the cross for Ander Herrera’s goal against Arsenal, although it was not officially recognised as an assist.
He also added 3 solid performances and a good display against Hull before being substituted in the 59th minute, unfortunately for Belgian teammate Marouane Fellaini who lasted just 18 minutes before being sent for an early bath.
The wingers rejuvenated form has been a highlight of Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge, and credit for Young’s form must be partly given to the Dutch manager, who by believing in Young has got him back playing the same way that convinced United to sign him from Aston Villa in the first place. Young first got his chance to be a regular starter again when van Gaal experimented with five at the back – subsequently deploying wing backs. With Luke Shaw suffering from a lack of fitness and no other recognised wing backs, Young was given his chance.
While many players may decide to complain, moan and possibly even refuse to play, he decided to buckle down, train hard and adapt to his new required position. He developed his defensive skills extremely impressively and very quickly. While others argued, when van Gaal changed back to a far more orthodox formation with four at the back and using recognised full backs, that Young should be dropped, Van Gaal stuck with Young as a reward for his impressive pre-season form. I think it’s fair to say he repaid that faith impressively.
