Manchester United: Why Ashley Young Is Not a Guaranteed Success at Old Trafford

Ashley Young's stock has never been higher.

The 25-year-old has developed from one of English football's most talented young prospects to one of the best creative talents in the Premier League.

In a frustrating campaign for Aston Villa last season, Young was one of the few established players at the club to deliver any level of consistency in his performances. The attacking midfielder's seven goals and 10 assists ensured relegation fears never turned concrete. While on a personal level, they attracted the attention of England team manager Fabio Capello.

Young's burgeoning international career is fine reward for the progression he has made in his six years in the Premier League, now he looks to take his career up a level as he moves to champions Manchester United and the long desired world of Champions League football.

It is a big opportunity for Young, one that presents demands that mean success is not a certainty.

From competing with similar players already in the Red Devils' squad to adapting to a new system, the pressured hunt for titles and challenge of top-level European football, all offering challenges Young will have to overcome as he seeks to find his place at Old Trafford.

Nani Standing in His Way

It had been initially reported that the £15 million signing of Ashley Young would mean the departure of Nani. The Portuguese winger has insisted this is not the case, and instead, will quite likely compete with the new arrival.

Manchester United vary in how they deploy their wide players, but if we are to assume Antonio Valencia will be used on the right more often than not to get up and down that wing, then as was often the case last season, whatever players on the left will be given a little more license to express.

Both are proven creators, each of them topping their side's assist tally in 2010-11 (Nani 14 to Young's 13). While in the past Nani has at times come across as a showboater, he has improved consistency-wise and his effort was recognised by his teammates who named him their player of the year.

Young is in many respects a less extravagant version of Nani, less likely to pull off a trick but equally capable of beating his man and creating a chance.

Sir Alex Ferguson does rotate in certain positions but does tend to reward his best performers with a more regular starting place. Nani will provide a formidable foe to Young in this respect.

Developing an Understanding with Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney played himself back into the good books of his manager and the Old Trafford faithful with some strong late-season performances. One of the interesting developments of his return to form was his budding relationship with Javier Hernandez.

Whereas in seasons past Rooney has been played out wide or in a deeper role up-front, with "Chicharito," he was working in a more orthodox front pairing.

If this stays the same, you can imagine him linking up well with Young out wide. Rooney's natural tendency to go looking for the ball means he will often look to link up with his new teammate, and both could cause havoc together coming inside from that wide position.

Less certain is how they might fare in different roles. As mentioned, Rooney is not always confined to the final third. He will look to involve himself earlier on in the build up of moves, and at his very best, is capable of influencing whole patterns of play from this more involved position.

Young, too, has in recent times for club and country been tested in more central positions, given the task of greater involvement. Sir Alex Ferguson might be too smart to avoid the two of them clashing in the same areas. But there is still a possibility this is just how it might naturally occur.

Young will have to find a way to augment Rooney without treading on his toes. If he can't, it is the latter who will probably be given the benefit of the doubt.

Adapting to Champions League Football

One of Young's reasons for leaving Aston Villa was his desire to play in the Champions League. With six group games to look forward to, he will undoubtedly be presented that chance at some stage.

It is a big test of his credentials, especially as he has played very little European football previously, with Villa's most recent experiences in the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) ending quickly.

While Young can point to how the likes of Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon adapted to the Champions League last season with Tottenham Hotspur as a reason to be positive, many of the Spurs players had experienced runs into the latter stage of Europe's second competition.

Quality will shine anywhere, but experiencing different styles and different atmospheres can be a crucial learning experience. Manchester City's own run in the Europa League last season will only do them the world of good when they move up this campaign.

Alex Ferguson would be smart to get Young involved as soon as possible in the group stage. United should qualify with some comfort, if Young can find his feet sooner rather than later, he will be better prepared for tougher challenges to come.

Keeping the Right Attitude

Young's recent impressive performances for England suggest he is not averse to pressure, and Aston Villa are hardly a little club just happy to get by.

But moving to Old Trafford is undoubtedly a different story. Besides the on-the-pitch matters already mentioned, it is no inconsiderable task to live up to the pressures the famous red shirt demands.

The demand for success, for trophies, it is insatiable. It is a big test now of Young, to see whether he can truly live up to his potential and be successful.

Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in his case. The level of quality he is playing with goes up a notch now. It is hard to see him struggling long term if he plays as well as he often did at Aston Villa, but never losing belief in his own ability will be vital.

His old Villa manager Martin O'Neill once put him up there with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in Europe. Man United fans will place mighty expectation on his shoulders as they look to see if he can fulfil this hype.