Young Happy To Make An Impact

Ashley Young was delighted after coming off the bench to play a pivotal role in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

The winger was introduced at the break at Old Trafford and made an instant impact, winning the free-kick that led to Daley Blind’s opener, and helped transform the Reds’ play after a flat opening 45 minutes.

Ander Herrera added a second from the penalty spot and, after Christian Benteke’s spectacular response, Anthony Martial capped a dream debut with a fine solo goal.

Reflecting on arguably the best of his four substitute appearances already in 2015/16, Young told ManUtd.com: "The boss told me I was coming on at the break. He didn’t give me too many instructions but I knew what I had to do.

"As a winger you want to get the ball and run at the full-back, get crosses in the box and create chances. And when you’ve got Felli [Marouane Fellaini] in the team, pulling off at the back post, you can put the ball there and know he’s going to win it.

"It was tough in the first half. Liverpool sat behind the ball for a lot of the game. We had a lot of possession but we knew we had to come out in the second half and create more chances. After getting the first goal as quickly as we did, we were always on the front foot and didn’t look back.

"We’re delighted to get the three points and bounce back from the defeat against Swansea, and there’s no better feeling than to do it against our rivals at Old Trafford."

Young had words of praise for United’s back four, who impressed again and largely contained the threat of Brendan Rodgers’ side, even if there was little they could do about Benteke’s overhead kick.

"Before the Swansea game, we hadn’t let a goal in," he said. "Benteke’s goal was one of those where you have to put your hands up and say it was a good finish, but the defence has been fantastically solid and you need that if you want to win trophies."

The win puts United in good heart ahead of Tuesday’s return to the Champions League away at PSV Eindhoven, an occasion all the players are relishing but none more so than Memphis Depay, as he prepares to face his former club.

"We’re delighted to be back in the Champions League," Young added. "We’re looking forward to Tuesday’s game but it won’t be easy – we know we can expect something different from PSV.

"It’ll be nice for Memphis going back. He’s an old head on young shoulders, so he’ll be able to handle the occasion, as will all the players who go over there."