Manchester United: 5 Reasons Ashley Young Will Make Ferguson's Team Stronger

Manchester United have today completed the signing of England international Ashley Young.

The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with a reported fee of £15 million being paid to Aston Villa.

Young told MUTV, "the opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down.

"It's a chance to hopefully become part of the history by helping to win the 20th title.

"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child: to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."

Here are five ways that the winger will improve United next season.

1. Free-Kicks

Young has earned a reputation as a superb taker of free-kicks—be it shots on goal, or deliveries into the box.

United strikers Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov will surely benefit, as will United's defenders coming up for set pieces.

2. Pace

Young is lightning fast. With United often relying on their counter-attacking play away in Europe, and against the strongest opposition in the Premier League, he'll be a serious threat.

3. Assists

Young provided 11 assists in the Premier League last season, to finish in the top 10 for the fourth straight season.

That can only bode well for United's goals tally next season.

4. Goals

Young has finished in double figures the last four seasons at Villa, and his goals from midfield will be much appreciated to a United team now without Paul Scholes.

5. Homegrown Talent

There's already a requirement for Premier League squads to include eight "homegrown" players in their squads.

And with FIFA contemplating even an even stronger stance in time for the 2012-13 season, United are planning ahead with an investment in English talent.