Ashley young signing imo was one of the most bizzare signings by SAF . We were looking for a longterm replacement for one of the club's greatest ever players and we decided the solution was to sign young who was in the last year of his contract for 20 odd million. In those days that was a lot but the going rate for half decent english players which was what young was.
This signing was the first signing I remember being unexcited and even annoyed we made and felt no signing would have been better. To make matter worse in the following summer hazard who for me was the player we needed to wear the number 11 shirt became available and for the first time in history neither barca/real/bayern were interested his destination was England. But we couldn't even compete with chelsea on contract terms and imo opinion this was not helped by the signing of young,
I have come to tolerate, then accept, and at times even like young over time as a fan. I understood OGS logic to keep him as rb and captain until the end of the season as he did not want to rock the boat and I think he probably wants to protect dalot a bit. But watching him play this season is a reminder of our far we have fallen and how a lot of this is self inflicted.
My question is do you want/expect OGS to stick with his rational and keep young as rb and captain no matter how badly he plays till the end of the season?
Another Ashley Young Article
posted on 13/4/19
I wouldn't call him a bizarre signing, just the best option we had available to us at the time.
He's definitely one of our best crosses, which made his performance against Barcelona so frustrating.
On top of it, he's going to be 34 this summer. This is the best he can give, which sadly is not enough. It's the club's fault to hold on to him for this long and wait for him to retire or move on.
posted on 13/4/19
like you said he actually cares, and while i never thought he was utd quality from day 1 his passion and streetwise made his presence for me acceptable.
but now his legs are gone and all he has left is passion is that enough? obviously not beyond the summer. But is it eough even for the next 7 games?
Geniune question as on one hand I understand OGS logic but on the other hand I have the impatient fan syndrome
posted on 13/4/19
He was very good at Villa before we signed him. Very logical SAF signing really.
He's had plenty of good moments with us... But time to put out to pasture. I imagine Ole sees we lack experience throughout though, so will play him for the rest of the season
posted on 13/4/19
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy squids (U2958)
posted 14 minutes ago
He was very good at Villa before we signed him. Very logical SAF signing really.
He's had plenty of good moments with us... But time to put out to pasture. I imagine Ole sees we lack experience throughout though, so will play him for the rest of the season
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Pretty much this
posted on 13/4/19
He's not good enough for where you want to be.
If you've got real aspirations of pushing on to a fifth place finish next season, you need better.
posted on 13/4/19
He hasn't been good enough for the majority of the time he has been with us.
When he was signed and played as a winger, I remember he would put in consistently poor performances for 5-10 games. He would get slated throughout, then he would score a nice goal and all was forgotten for the next 5-10 games when he went back to being rubbish.
Since then you can't fault his effort during his time at the back, but ultimately, isn't good enough.
posted on 13/4/19
comment by Pride of the North (U6803)
posted 2 hours, 35 minutes ago
I’m not going to slate Young as when he plays he actually cares and he always puts in 100% commitment whether he’s playing well or not.
That being said for me he’s not got the legs to play top level football now. I’m not against him staying at the club but he shouldn’t be starting games against the top teams anymore.
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I agree fully. Young has very limited talent. But he gives everything whenever he is played. His experience is required in the dressing room. Valencia is sure to leave this summer. I am fine if Young stays a couple of seasons as squad player. His expereince could be useful for big games.
posted on 13/4/19
If Young went back to Villa now he wouldn’t be starting for them.
posted on 13/4/19
He had a diabolical game we can all agree. Bizarre signing?? Calm down mate
posted on 13/4/19
Sentimental tactics will often delay this club going forward. Astute tactics planning should enable us to further progress.
Young has been a great servant to this club over the years, one of the most passionate players we have over longevity. But it is clear as night and day that he abilities have declined even more so.
You are right in saying that when Ole first came in, he didn't want to rock the boat and that he needed a bit of time to assess the situation. This half a season that he will get by May should give him enough time to work out what and who he needs for the following season to make an impact. And sadly Young shouldn't be part of his plans.