Young Has Proven His Worth To Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal’s injury headache was eased on Sunday when Luke Shaw made a welcome return to action, although the Manchester United manager must now decide whether the summer signing deserves to reclaim his starting place from Ashley Young.

Shaw signed in late June as the most expensive teenager in world football and was immediately tipped to enjoy a successful career at Old Trafford, having previously excelled with Southampton in the Barclays Premier League and represented England at the 2014 World Cup.

While a hamstring injury sustained on the eve of the season delayed his debut until a 2-1 win over West Ham on 27 September, the 19-year-old went on to show all of his quality and potential in a series of all-action displays at left-back. The position, it seemed, was his to dominate.

But just as momentum was gathering, Shaw suffered ankle ligament damage in November’s 2-1 win at Arsenal and subsequently missed six first-team fixtures. His arrival to the treatment table coincided with Young’s return to fitness and the former Aston Villa star has since made the most of his opportunity by filling in as an auxiliary wing-back, as he did so admirably during United’s successful pre-season tour of America.

In each of his seven consecutive starts, Young has visibly grown in confidence and stature, while displaying an engine that has driven him up and down the flank with impressive ease. There have been a raft of assists, too, including the sumptuous cross that led to Radamel Falcao’s powerful header at Villa Park, where United came from behind to earn a deserved point.

Young has proven himself an invaluable asset to van Gaal, who is on record for liking adaptable players who can switch between positions. Although the boss recently hinted he will abandon his 3-5-2 formation upon Shaw's return, he will certainly not jettison United's renascent wing-back, who has excelled over the festive period. Ashley Young is unquestionably here to stay.

Credit: manutd.com