Young: Top Four Still In United's Hands

Ashley Young was deflated after Manchester United’s home defeat to West Bromwich Albion but insisted he and his team-mates have the character to respond and secure a top-four place in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds fell to a third consecutive league defeat on Saturday as the Baggies took the points via Jonas Olsson’s fortuitous deflection off Chris Brunt’s second-half free-kick.

It leaves Louis van Gaal’s men four points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with three games to play, the next of which is away to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Asked if there was still belief United could make the top four, Young told MUTV: "Of course there is. As players and staff, there’s no doubt we can qualify for the Champions League and that was always what we wanted to do.

"It’s still in our hands and we have three massive games coming up. We have another tough game away to Palace next weekend and we want to get back to winning ways."

United dominated possession against a defensive Baggies side and created more chances, yet couldn't find the breakthrough. It was a similar story to the reversals at Chelsea and Everton.

"We knew West Brom were going to park the bus and that’s what they did," Young continued. "You have to try and find spaces but it’s hard when they have every man behind the ball.

"We have the team spirit and character to bounce back from this defeat. We’ll work again this week, prepare on the training pitch and hopefully things will go right next weekend."