Soccer

Ashley Young ready to play centre forward for Manchester United

Winger says he can yet again prove his versatility to ease Louis van Gaal’s striker problem

Manchester United’s Ashley Young in action with Nathaniel Clyne of Liverpool during the English Premier League game at Old Trafford on Saturday. Photograph: Getty.

Jamie Jackson
Mon Sep 14 2015 - 23:00

Ashley Young is ready to play centre forward for Manchester United should Louis van Gaal ask him to, the winger having played there previously for Aston Villa and with the manager's options in the position limited.

Wayne Rooney is unavailable for Tuesday’s Champions League group match at PSV Eindhoven due to a hamstring injury.

The manager has allowed Javier Hernandez, Robin van Persie, and Radamel Falcao to leave in the summer window, and Adnan Januzaj to go on loan.

This means the Dutchman may again start Marouane Fellaini as the main striker, as he did in Saturday's 3-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Van Gaal could also field Memphis Depay as the number nine.

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“If the manager wants me to play there then yes, of course I would,” Young said. “I can play in lots of positions and I have done that under the manager, whether it is up front or in midfield. Hopefully I can play there [through the middle] but it’s up to the manager.”

Although Van Gaal has never spoken publicly of Young as a central striker the 64-year-old is aware he can operate there. “He has said it to me before, but it is down to him,” said Young. “He has that headache of picking the team, so rather him than me.”

First choice

Last season Young forced his way back into the side and became a first choice. This term he has started only once, the 1-0 win over Tottenham on the opening day.

“It has [been a while] and every player in the squad wants to be in the starting XI and I am not different. I want to play as much as I can, but when I am called from the bench as I was against Liverpool, I just want to show the manager that I am ready and willing to give 100 per cent,” the 30-year-old said. “I have always said that it is good to have competition for places and we have that in abundance in the squad.”

Young is carrying an ankle problem but it is manageable. “It’s okay. It’s strapped at the moment, but it shouldn’t be a problem for Tuesday,” he said.

PSV Eindhoven v Manchester United, Philips Stadion, 7.45pm (TV3)

(Guardian service)

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