Young becomes United’s second signing in the close season following the arrival of England under-21 international Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers in a £16.5 million deal earlier in the month. Spain’s impressive under-21 goalkeeper David de Gea is also expected to join the Red Devils in the near future in a move which is likely to see United’s spending reach the £50 million mark.
Young has been a consistently outstanding performer for Aston Villa since joining the club from Watford in January 2007 in a deal that was eventually worth £10 million.
Young scored 38 goals in 190 appearances for Villa, helping the club to impressive sixth-place finishes in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Young won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the 2008/09 season. However, Young made it clear to Villa he would not be signing an extension to his contract which was due to expire at the end of next season leaving the club little choice but to sell one of the English Premier League’s finest performers.
Young’s arrival means more competition in United’s wide position with United player of the season Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ji-Sung Park and Gabriel Obertan all hopeful of a place on the wings. The 25 year-old Young’s versatility may give him an edge though, he is capable of playing as a two-footed winger or operating behind a central striker.
An official statement by United said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Aston Villa for the transfer of Ashley Young. The player passed a medical in Manchester this week and has agreed a five-year contract.”
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