New boss admits he won’t be able to keep Young at Villa Park but knows his first task will be to sort out Stewart Downing’s future at the clubAston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted he is resigned to losing Ashley Young over the summer, but the Scot is determined to hold onto Stewart Downing.

Young has been linked with a move away from Villa Park since the end of the season, with Manchester United his reported destination, and McLeish concedes he didn’t expect to be working with the forward next season.

“It’s not confirmed yet [Young’s transfer to Manchester United] but it does seem likely,” he told Talksport.

“In my humble opinion it will be very difficult [to keep hold of him].”