Young vows to adopt United mentality

NEW Manchester United signing Ashley Young is fully prepared for the challenge of breaking into a team which won a record 19th league title last season.

Though it wasn’t a vintage year for the Red Devils, they still finished nine points clear of Chelsea to lift their record title.

The retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of the injury–plagued Owen Hargreaves has opened space in midfield, but Young knows he will have to fight with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Park Ji–sung for a place.

“If you are in the team there is always going to be someone biting away at your heels, trying to get in,” he said.

"I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that. The club always produces fantastic players. They have that winning mentality. I hope to be a part of that this season. I can't wait to get started."

The England international, 26 next month, agreed a five–year deal yesterday reportedly worth between £16million and £20million.

Young became United's second signing of the summer, following Blackburn's England Under–21 international Phil Jones, signed for £16.5million almost a fortnight ago.

The forward scored 39 goals in 193 appearances with Aston Villa but significantly, in the past five Barclays Premier League seasons only Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists.

More arrivals are expected at Old Trafford in the coming weeks with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea likely to fill the void left by Edwin van der Sar's departure.

Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also keen to add some more creativity to his midfield and has been linked with Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.