Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney hail ‘fantastic’ Ashley Young after Manchester United debut

Ashley Young-Manchester United

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Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney have praised new signing Ashley Young after he made his Manchester United debut on Wednesday.

The England international made his first appearance for the club since completing his move from Aston Villa in the 4-1 pre-season win over New England Revolution.

Young, who played 67 minutes of the game, lined up on the left of United’s four-man midfield, with Nani on the right, and Sir Alex pointed out the 26-year-old’s versatility after the match, indicating the club’s fans might see him in an array of positions throughout the upcoming season.

He said: “That’s been his natural position with Aston Villa until last season, when they started putting him in behind the striker, either Gabby Agbonlahor or Darren Bent, in sort of an advanced midfield role like the way we use Rooney.

“His capabilities are that he can play wide left, he can play in that position in behind the striker and he can play wide right.”

“The qualities you saw tonight are what we expected,” Sir Alex added. “He’s a fantastic crosser of the ball. I think he hit three fantastic crosses in the game, which is maybe not something we’re used to with the way we play the game. If we do get used to it, then there’s goals there.”

Rooney was also impressed with his new team-mate and says he is relishing playing more games alongside him.

“Yeah, he has settled in well. Everyone knows what Ashley is capable of,” said Rooney, who was taken off at half-time. “He put in some big crosses tonight, so we are looking forward to playing some games with him.

“Its a good young team, hopefully we will all click and hopefully we will have a successful team.”

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