Young ‘not bothered’ by Van Gaal’s Neymar remark

Matthew Stead
Ashley Young: Has called on Manchester United to carry their form into the Champions League

Ashley Young: Has called on Manchester United to carry their form into the Champions League

Ashley Young has reacted to a comparison made with Neymar by Louis van Gaal, and has called on Manchester United to carry their form into Europe.

Manchester United manager Van Gaal made the comparison during the club’s pre-season tour of America this summer, saying: “You can expect things from Ashley Young. He had a fantastic season. But he is not a Neymar.”

Young says he was “not bothered” by such an unfavourable comparison, and is instead concentrating on what he can offer to the United cause this season.

“The manager knows what I am capable of and that is why he has used me in games,” said the 30-year-old, who signed a new deal back in August.

“I am always looking to attack in the position I am. I am one of those players who is creative on the ball and wants to attack.

“When you are called upon as a winger you want to create chances and get shots off and hopefully I am doing that.

“I am glad I am not the manager who has to pick the team. He has that headache. Every player is in there to do a job.

“Obviously players come in and there is competition. The manager wants competition and he wants to rotate.

“I have had that competition throughout my career. We have fantastic players here.

“Everybody wants to play but we all have to keep each other on their toes.

“I will look to give 100 per cent when I am called upon.”

Young has made five appearances this season after playing a regular part in the starting XI last campaign, and the England international has called on the Red Devils to carry the form that seen them top the Premier League table after seven games into the Champions League.

“We just have to keep playing with confidence. We have been winning games and we need to keep the run going,” he added.

“It is important to get a win against Wolfsburg. If you want to win the Champions League then you have to win your home games.

“It was a disappointing start to the European campaign especially the possession and chances we had in Eindhoven that really was disappointing. We have to start winning in the group now.

“We have been in it for so many years and we have so many who have played Champions League football over those years so we were disappointed not to be in it (last season).

“There is pressure on all the players in the squad not just the experienced ones. It is how you deal with it.”