Manchester United: Ashley Young Makes Decent Start to Reds Campaign

The preseason kicked off for United with their first game against New England Revolution in Boston, United walking away victorious with a 4-1 scoreline. Two goals from second-half substitute Kiko Macheda, a goal from Michael Owen and the fourth coming from a sublime finish by Park Ji-Sung wrapped up the match.

But most eyes where on new boy Ashley Young, who joined from Villa. He started on the left wing wearing the No. 18 jersey, previously worn by Paul Scholes.

Young showed some nerves in the start, losing the ball carelessly, but he did make up with a number of brilliant crosses into the box, only for Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney to head wayward.

His pace, energy on the ball and trickery will be key to his individual contribution through the campaign. Another important area that seems to be taken care of is set pieces. Young was on corner duty and made sure almost every delivery was on target and well appreciated by his teammates. 

Being the first match, there will always be certain negatives that will be pointed out. But looking forward with a number of players still to join, the likes of Javier Hernandez, Antonio Valencia and possibly Wesley Sneijder, Young's influence could be massive.

Sir Alex Ferguson was also full of praise for the midfielder: 

"

His capabilities are such that he can play wide left, he can play in behind the strikers and he can play wide right. He showed tonight he's a fantastic crosser of the ball. I think he hit three fantastic crosses in the game, which maybe isn't something we're used to with the way we play. But if we do get used to it then there's goals there. I was very satisfied.

"

The only recommendation I would make is that the kit staff find the appropriate size for him—he seemed to be drowning.

United will play their next match against Seattle Sounders next Wednesday.