Ferguson Lauds Manchester United’s Terrific ‘All-Round Footballer’

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the impact made by Ashley Young in his debut season at Old Trafford.

The England international joined Manchester United in the summer after the Red Devils pipped a number of their rivals to the then Aston Villa winger's coveted signature.

The 26-year-old has since made a near seamless transition at Manchester United and his manager suggests the winger's obvious Premier League pedigree was one of the main reasons he endeavoured to bring him to Old Trafford.

Ferguson suggests Young's versatility was also a major factor behind Manchester United's protracted efforts to sign the in-demand star from Villa. The former Watford prodigy has displayed his ability to play in a variety of positions already this season, appearing on either flank or as a supplementary striker, and Ferguson could not be happier with Young's form this season.

"Ashley had a fantastic season last year at Villa," The Manchester United manager told the club's official website.

"He showed maturity coming into his game and that's the thing that attracted me most of all.

"We decided to go for him because we knew, at 25 years of age, we were getting someone of maturity in the [Barclays] Premier League and he could also play several positions.

"He's a terrific option just behind the front man - we used him there against Benfica and he did well. In that respect, we got an all-round footballer.

"He's a terrific crosser of the ball and his goal attempts have been good. He had a hat-trick of chances last week against Newcastle.

"That's not a bad contribution for a wide player in terms of goal strikes. He's done very well."