Young: I'm ready for the challenge

Young: I'm ready for the challenge


New says he is fully prepared for the challenge of breaking into a t Manchester United signing Ashley Youngeam which won a record 19th league title last season.

Although it was not a vintage year for the Red Devils, they still finished nine points clear of Chelsea to win the Premier League and overtake rivals Liverpool.

The retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves has freed up some space in midfield, but Young knows he will still have to fight for a starting berth with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Park Ji-Sung.
I'm going to be coming in looking to establish myself in the team. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that challenge.
Ashley Young, Manchester United forward

"There's a lot of competition for places at the club," he told MUTV. "If you are in the team there is always going to be someone biting away at your heels trying to get in.

"I'm going to be coming in looking to establish myself in the team. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that challenge.

"It is a fantastic team. The club always produces fantastic players. They have that winning mentality. I hope to be a part of that this season. I can't wait to get started."

Realising a childhood dream
The England international, 26 next month, agreed a five-year deal yesterday and has immediately set his sights on helping United win a 20th title next season as he realises a boyhood dream.

"To come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, it is an opportunity that I couldn't turn down, to play with such great players that play for this club and to hopefully become part of the history of winning the 20th title," he added.

"As a child I always wanted to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I've got that opportunity now. I've just got to take it with two hands. I just want to get out there and start training now."

Goals and assists in his game
Young became United's second signing of the summer, following England U-21 international Phil Jones, who was signed from Blackburn Rovers.

The forward scored 39 goals in 193 appearances for Aston Villa but, significantly, in the past five Premier League seasons only Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists.