Young goes on the attack

Ashley Young is adamant Manchester United will not adopt a safety–first attitude in their make–or–break Champions League encounter with FC Basle tomorrow.

After tossing away a two–goal lead against the Swiss champions on matchday two and then failing to overcome Benfica at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's men must avoid defeat if they are to book their spot in the last 16.

It is not quite what manager Ferguson intended when the draw was made, and even qualification will be bitter–sweet as United are almost certain to be condemned to a runner–up berth.

That would set up potential meetings with heavyweight quartet Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.

Young said: “It would be dangerous to think we only need a draw. No-one at this club has that mentality. We still have it in our hands to go there and qualify, and we will be trying to win.”

With Javier Hernandez ruled out for a month, Danny Welbeck only just back from a muscle problem suffered on England duty and Dimitar Berbatov sweating on his fitness after aggravating an ankle injury in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last week, Young may be required to fill a more attacking role.