Young ‘expected’ Man United to dominate leaders Chelsea

Rob McCarthy
Ashley Young: Captained United to win over Chelsea

Ashley Young believes that Manchester United’s dominant win against Premier League leaders Chelsea had been coming but now wants more of the same.

United have struggled to kill off teams, particularly at Old Trafford this season, and that has seen them drop too many points as they struggle to make the top four.

Indeed few would have predicted that Mourinho’s men would dominate the would-be champions so much on Easter Sunday as Chelsea’s lead at the top of the table was cut to just four points.

Antonio Conte’s men failed to register a single shot on target for the first time since September 2007 as United completely dominated and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera.

Young, who was captain for the day, was as proud of the display saying “every man was fantastic from start to finish”.

“We have felt that kind of performance coming,” the versatile 31-year-old added. “There have been a lot of draws at home.

“I don’t think a lot of people saw that scoreline coming or the type of game to be honest. We did.

“We have belief in ourselves. I have confidence in every single player in the squad.

“There is great competition in the squad. We have a busy month and everyone has to be ready and on their toes. I don’t think a lot of people expected it but we did.”

Anderlecht are next up for United on Thursday as Mourinho’s men look to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

If United can carry on the form they showed against Chelsea then a top-four spot is not out of the question.

“There have been high standards here since I signed for the club and we want to be pushing on,” added Young.

“A lot has been said about how we want to finish fourth but I am that kind of person who wants to achieve more than that. I want to finish higher than that.

“Hopefully we have a semi-final coming up. If we can play like we did against Chelsea, then I am sure we can get through against Anderlecht and into the semi-finals.”

Young also singled out Rashford for praise after the striker caused Chelsea’s defence all sorts of problems in Sunday’s win.

“I said it all along that, when he was coming through the youth team and reserves, you could see there was something special about him,” Young said.

“He plays the game with hunger. It comes natural to him.

“When he does things quick I don’t think there are many defenders who can live with him.

“He was fantastic for us and we needed the outlet. When he can get in behind he is a threat.

“He has a massive future in front of him not only for Manchester United but for England as well.”