Young: Van Persie's Finishing Is Brilliant

Ashley Young has praised the finishing prowess of Robin van Persie after the Dutchman struck both of Manchester United’s goals in the priceless victory at Southampton.

The left-sided wing-back was shortlisted for our Man of the Match award after another assured display but could understand why van Persie took the honours with his clinical shooting proving the difference between the two sides.

"They were brilliant finishes from Robin," Young told ManUtd.com. "I think the first one was obviously a gift but he still had to finish it off. The second was one of those poacher’s goals where he has worked on going around the back post and getting on the end of Wazza [Wayne Rooney]’s free-kicks. He managed to do that and we’re just delighted to get the three points to take us into the next game.”

The fixture looming large on the horizon is one of the most hotly anticipated on the club’s calendar as Liverpool head to Old Trafford. Young feels momentum is building after five consecutive wins, even if the performance rightly attracted criticism from boss Louis van Gaal.

”It was tough,” Young admitted. “I think we didn’t play as well as we could have in the first half and were lucky to go a goal ahead. I’m not too sure why that was but, in the second half, we came out and played some good football. Obviously, we got the goal and had to defend well again. I’m glad we held on and got the points because they are three massive points for us.

“It’s a massive win. I think, like the manager has said, the momentum is building now. We wanted to get another win and knew it was going to be a tough place to come away from home after the last one against Arsenal. We said we wanted another win on the road and we managed to do that - even though it wasn’t easy at all. We’re delighted with the three points and look forward to the game at the weekend now.”

Young has deputised admirably for injured defender Luke Shaw and enjoys offering more of an attacking threat when a three-man central defence is utilised. “I have to get forward more in support and that was shown,” he added.

“The out-ball was the switch and we looked dangerous with that move. Every man was fantastic and I’ve been saying that for weeks now. The subs who came on were fantastic as well and you could see the way we celebrated at the end - when we went to the fans who have travelled down - that we thought they were fantastic too. Right from the first minute, they were brilliant. It was nice to get the win to send them home happy.”

After Chris Smalling joined the casualty list in the first half, the last thing fans would want to see was Young leaving St Mary’s showing clear discomfort when walking but, thankfully, he shrugged off any problem ahead of Sunday’s clash. "I'm a little bit sore,” he revealed. “You have these little knocks and bruises but dust yourself off and away you go again.”