Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish wants creative attacker to replace Manchester United signing Ashley Young

Ashley Young

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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish wants Ashley Young’s replacement to compliment striker Darren Bent.

Young, who provided 10 assists and seven goals for Villa last season, secured a switch to Manchester United earlier this week, and with Stewart Downing also reportedly on the move to Liverpool, McLeish could be starved of creativity as the season draws near.

Bent enjoyed a promising start to life at Villa Park as he became the club’s top scorer with nine goals following his arrival from Sunderland in January in a deal worth a reported £24 million, and McLeish wants his prospective attacking signing to be compatible with the England international.

“Darren has got to be up there in the top two or three strikers in the Premier League,” McLeish told the club’s official website.

“His goals at Arsenal at the end of the season were incredible.

“Darren scored some really important goals at the end of the last campaign. He’s been sensational since he’s come in to Villa.

“He needs the right service because he’s on the shoulder all the time he’s ready to make the runs. You just need the people to supply the ammunition for him.

“Young is an international player and had a good relationship with Bent. They looked for each other so we have to find a replacement.”