Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho heaped praises on Red Devils player Ashley Young.
The Portuguese tactician called for more United players to be more like Young this season. Manchester United started the new campaign well, but a series of defeats have startled the team. After the huge summer spending, fans want instant impact from Mourinho and the United squad. So the pressure is causing more harm than good.
Young was a substitute for Anthony Martial in the game against Watford. Young came on for the French forward after he picked up an injury in the first half. Martial was the United player with the ball but a rough tackle from a Watford player during the build-up of the opening goal forced him out. The 31-year old came on to salvage some pride for the United team. Mourinho praised the efforts of young though his squad eventually lost the game 3-1.
“We started the season very well and had good results. I feel the first moment we had a defeat, a difficult situation, some of the boys are having a bit of difficulty coping with the negativity,” Mourinho said.
“You see Ashley Young, his mentality, the happiness and confidence he brought to the game is something more players need to have,” he added.
Young started his career with the Watford youth team setup, and played professionally for the club in 2003. He was there three seasons before switching to Aston Villa in an £11.2 million move. In 2011, former United coach Sir Alex Ferguson signed him for over £15 million. The English player has had brilliant moments at Old Trafford, but has been struggling lately. He has only played as a substitute twice this season in the Europa League and Premier League. After their EFL third round triumph, United will face Leicester City next in the Premier League.