BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks believes Ashley Young has now become Manchester United’s most influential player.
The versatile wide man, who now plays most of his football for United at full-back, scored the Red Devils’ opener in their 4-1 win over Fulham on Saturday.
Is Ashley Young really Manchester United’s most influential player? Five things to know…
- Young has made 13 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season.
- Young has captained United in all but two of his appearances this season.
- Crooks has named the former Watford and Aston Villa man in his Premier League team of the week.
- His goal against Fulham was his first of the campaign.
- United’s star names Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku have faltered so far this term, whilst David De Gea has not been at his best.
Young was one of three United players in Crooks’ team of the week, with Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford also featuring after their promising displays against the Cottagers.
Former England man Young started at left-back and opened the scoring as he smashed past goalkeeper Sergio Rico after 13 minutes.
Crooks believes a ‘rejuvenated’ Young has now become United’s most influential performer.
“His goal against Fulham was his first for Manchester United for nearly a year – and the rejuvenated Ashley Young is experiencing the most extraordinary renaissance,” Crooks claimed.
“The United captain, who has taken the armband from the recently expelled Antonio Valencia, finds himself in a fascinating position.
“A player who struggled to hold down a place in the team two years ago has become the most influential person in it.
“It’s a funny game, football.”
United captain Valencia, who’s contract expires in the summer, has made just six appearances so far this season in a campaign littered with various injury setbacks.
He has been available for selection since mid-November, but his only appearance since then was against Young Boys in the Champions League.
What does this say about Jose Mourinho and Manchester United?
Ashley Young, Manchester United’s most influential player?
Considering Mourinho has spent over £390m since his arrival at Old Trafford, that doesn’t sound too great, does it?
United got themselves a much-needed win over the weekend, but the reality is that they have been way below par all season and must drastically improve if they’re to mount a challenge to finish in the top four.
De Gea looks a shadow of the player he was last season, Eric Bailly, who had some exceptional matches for United last season, looks unconfident whenever he steps onto the pitch. Paul Pogba can’t get in the team and Romelu Lukaku has scored just six goals all season.
Garth Crooks’ statement sounds absurd, but in reality, he’s probably not wrong.
The post Ashley Young has become Man Utd’s most influential player, says Crooks appeared first on Squawka News.
From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2zTs68Q
No comments:
Post a Comment