Young: I Can Read The Game Better

Ashley Young feels he has the capability to be able to read the game more, now he is one of the most experienced players in the Manchester United squad and following his run-outs in attack and defence.

The 32-year-old, who can play on the wing or further back, has impressed in both full-back positions since his return from injury, starting three of the last four games for the Reds.

Young is currently one of the club's longest-serving players, having arrived at Old Trafford in 2011, and believes he has the intelligence and know-how to understand patterns of play and what his role requires.

"At my age, you have to read the game more, and at full-back you have to read the game more, I think I've got a good footballing brain to be able to do that," Young told MUTV. "I'm just happy to be out there playing and whenever I'm called upon I'll give 100 per cent."

The Reds have enjoyed a flying start to the season and are currently joint-leaders of the Premier League with Manchester City, have progressed to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and made a winning start to the UEFA Champions League campaign.

United have netted 25 goals in nine matches in all competitions so far in 2017/18, shared between eight different scorers – something Young feels is an important factor.

Having set up Marouane Fellaini's opener against FC Basel and provided the cross which led to Romelu Lukaku's winner against Southampton last weekend, the no.18 hopes to add his name to that list but is satisfied if he is contributing to the cause in some way.

"I have thought it's about time I get back on the scoresheet," said Young, who hasn't scored since netting United's final league goal of 2015/16 in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. "But as long as I’m performing and playing well that's all that matters.

"There's been eight different goalscorers so we've had goals from all over the team. I think that's ideal, it's what you need to take you forward and help you to win things. Goals from all round the park do help and Valencia's [strike against Everton] will be right up there for the goal of the season, I think."

After getting off to a fine start in Group A with a 3-0 win over Swiss champions FC Basel at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, the Reds face a stern test away to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

But Young, who will be hoping to keep his place in the team, admitted United must be able to cope with the challenge that awaits in the Russia capital and he has high hopes of progressing far in the competition.

"That's the Champions League for you," he said. "You get drawn against different teams and have to travel to different places. You just have to deal with it. It will probably be a hostile place – it has been before, so we've just got to be prepared.

"It'll be a good thing if we can get a win, but it wouldn't be a bad thing getting a draw. But, whether we’re home or away, we’re looking to get the three points."

Young added: "A club of our size should always be fighting for the Champions League, fighting for titles and everyone's delighted we've got Champions League football back. But, it’s not just one of those things to be back in it, we want to go as far as we can in it."