This article was written by Pete South, follow him on Twitter @peterwsouth.
Aston Villa winger Ashley young has finalized his move to Manchester United in a five year deal believed to be worth around £17 million. The 25-year-old passed his medical at United’s training ground on Thursday before putting pen to paper to sign for the reigning Premier League champions.
Football bets had long linked Young with a move to Old Trafford, while Arsenal and Chelsea were also said to be interested. Young had only one year left on his contract with Villa meaning they could do little about his desire to play Champions League football next season, with the former Watford man saying the opportunity to join United was too good a chance to pass up.
Young said this to MUTV:
“The opportunity to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down... It is a chance to hopefully become part of history by helping them to win their 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."
Club captain Rio Ferdinand took up the chance to welcome Ashley Young to the club on his Twitter.“Welcoming Ashley Young to Manchester United - another top, hungry and young player joins the ranks,"he wrote.
Football betting backed Young to leave Villa Park earlier this season after the player signalled his intent to leave Villa with the Midlands side briefly battling with relegation before easing away from danger under the guidance of new boss Gerard Houllier. Now we'll have a chance to see what young can do surrounded by a new set of teammates at Old Trafford. He'll surely have someone to give assists to in Javier Hernandez, who has be lighting up the Gold Cup with goals.
How will Ashley Young's first season at Manchester United pan out? Is this another perfectly timed "Ferguson signing"? Share your thoughts and comments below!
