- Birthdate: 09 Jul 1985
- Birthplace: Stevenage, Herts
- Position: Winger
- Joined United: 01 Jul 2011
- Joined From: Aston Villa
- International: England
- United Debut: 7 Aug 2011 v Man City (N)
Since arriving from Aston Villa in 2011, Ashley Young has almost seamlessly adapted to life at Old Trafford to become a formidable attacking weapon for Manchester United.
Young was a contender for United's Player of the Year award in 2014/15, at the end of surely his best season in a red shirt. Signs of his intent were evident as early during the pre-season tour of the United States, when the Englishman comfortably got to grips with Louis van Gaal’s new wing-back strategy, and produced impressive performances which would be carried into the Premier League campaign.
The emergence of Luke Shaw at left-back soon saw Young revert to a more familiar midfield role, though a hamstring injury suffered against Stoke on New Year’s Day halted his progress. Upon his return to fitness, United's no.18 reminded Louis van Gaal of his abilities, and was named Man of the Match on several occasions after forcing his way back into the side.
Young found the net twice last season, but certainly picked his moments well. His first, a priceless injury-time winner at Newcastle, was vital in keeping van Gaal's men in the hunt for a top four place, while his strike against Manchester City at Old Trafford set the Reds on the way to a memorable 4-2 derby-day win.
Although his first season in M16 ultimately ended in disappointment - with rivals Manchester City stealing the title on the final day - there were plenty of individual highlights for the England international, most notably a couple of doubles against Spurs and Arsenal. A much-deserved England call-up for Euro 2012 soon followed and, after years of climbing the ladder, the tricky winger had finally reached the higher echelons of football.
Of course, his career had been on an upward curve for some time. At Watford, where he was once on the brink of being released, Young became an integral player and eventually caught the interest of high-flying Aston Villa in 2007.
The fee, rising to almost £10million, was declared steep by those supposedly in the know - but it soon looked a bargain. Flourishing at Villa Park, he won the 2009 PFA Young Player of the Year award and was declared "world class" by manager Martin O'Neill.
Soon earning more responsibility in a more central role, Ashley racked up the assists and goals during his final campaign for the Midlanders and was one of the Premier League's most productive performers.
By deciding not to sign a new deal, it became obvious that Young would join a top club and Sir Alex Ferguson was keen not to miss out, pushing hard to provide the bigger stage that had been craved for so long.
A match-winning assist on his Barclays Premier League debut at West Brom earned quick acclaim, but it was his sensational display in the 8-2 annihilation of Arsenal that proved he had genuinely arrived at the club. Later, and perhaps more notably, it was Young's goal that sealed the title-winning victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
But after an impressive debut term, Young was struck by the injury curse throughout much of his second season, but did manage to play in exactly half of United's matches en route to securing his first-ever title-winners' medal. Unfortunately, Ashley finished the season on crutches after suffering an ankle injury during the Manchester derby at the start of April 2013.
Young played 30 times in 2013/14 and ended his Reds goal drought after going a year-and-a-half without finding the net. He only managed three strikes in all but they were well worth the wait, with his efforts against Stoke, West Ham and Cardiff all stunning in their execution.
Despite his penchant for spectacular strikes, he is perhaps more noted for his exceptional ability to carve out openings for team-mates. Young's industry and application impressed van Gaal in 2014/15 and he can be extremely satisfied with his contribution, becoming a senior member of the squad and one of the most popular men in the dressing room. "I'm Young in name only now," he joked to ManUtd.com as he embraces the mantle as an older, wiser head to help the new boys integrate into life at the Aon Training Centre.
