OPINION
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce must do everything in his power to sign Manchester United ace Ashley Young this summer.
Young, 31, was used sparingly last term by United and he looks to be coming to the end of his time at Old Trafford as manager Jose Mourinho is attempting to overhaul his squad this summer.
The England ace spent some of the best years of his career at Villa, so here are three reasons why the Birmingham giants should re-sign him this summer.
Experience
Young has a wealth of experience under his belt and has played in the top-flight for most of his career, so stepping into the Championship should be comfortable for him. Villa lacked a lot of things last term, but experience in the squad was one of them. Bruce relied on youngsters too much, and his players with experience did not perform as is to be expected of them. The 31-year-old has played 297 Premier League games over the course of his career, anyone with that much top-flight experience can walk into any Championship team, and Villa are no different.
Adaptability
In Young’s previous spell at Villa Park he was known as a pacey right-sided midfielder, but since then he has also become proficient at playing on the left, and as his pace has waned, as a full-back as well. His adaptability is perfect for Bruce, because it means he can be employed wherever he is needed, so the side will always be able to benefit from his quality and his experience. Villa struggled for width last campaign, and Young can provide it on either flank, as a winger or as a full-back, and his final ball is not bad either.
Revive the glory daysÂ
Young plied his trade with Villa between 2007 and 2011, scoring 37 goals and supplying 59 assists in 190 league and cup games. He was a key man in a quality side that finished sixth in the Premier League in three of his seasons at the club. His performances saw him earn a move to Old Trafford, which only goes to show just how good he was back then. Despite the fact those days are long gone now and Villa sit in the Championship – if there is anyone that can inspire the current crop of players to success, and reignite the fan bases’ passion – it is him.