Young Eyes Form Of Old

Ashley Young is targeting an injury-free season as he looks to recapture the impressive form of his first campaign with the Reds.

Young made a bright start to life at Old Trafford following his move from Aston Villa in 2011, but his second season in Manchester was blighted by injuries.

The 28-year-old had been out of competitive action since the Manchester derby in April. But now, having made his return to the first-team as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea, he hopes to play an important role in his third year in red.

“I feel ready,” he told MUTV. “I didn’t have a full pre-season but I have been trying to get myself fit all summer and when I’m fully fit, when called upon, I will go out there and give 110 per cent.

“I had a stop-start season last year with the injuries I had, which was frustrating. But I was glad to get back out on the pitch and to get some minutes. I felt good out there [against Chelsea] and, fingers crossed, now I won’t have the same injury problems this season.”

Young had to contend with frustration of a different kind as the United chased victory against Chelsea. The Reds were the more positive team, but the final shot, cross or killer pass just eluded David Moyes’ men.

“There’s a little bit of disappointment there,” he said reviewing the game. “We wanted to get the three points, especially being at home. But it’s a good point against one of the league’s top sides. I don’t think they threatened us too much. The defence was brilliant and as a team our shape was fantastic. And if anything we had the best opportunities."

Young came off the bench midway through the second half as Moyes sought to unlock the Chelsea defence. United could find the elusive winning goal but United's no.18 is taking the positives out of the performance, especially with a tough away trip to Anfield looming at the weekend.

“We’ve been famed for a few late goals and we were on the front foot, looking like the team that was going to score,” he added. “We had a few chances from some crosses that went into the box. But for us it’s a good point and now we’re just looking forward to the next game.

“When we looked at our fixtures we knew that it was going to be a testing start. We wanted to get points on the board straightaway. We’ve managed to do that and now we’re looking forward to Sunday’s game against Liverpool.”