Young will stay out wide for us, insists United boss
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Young will stay out wide for us, insists United boss Sir Alex
Dream debut: Ashley Young celebrates after his shot is deflected in on Sunday
Sir Alex Ferguson says he is likely to continue playing Ashley Young on the flanks for Manchester United.
Young enjoyed a stunning debut for United in the 2-1 win at West Bromwich last Sunday as his shot deflected off Steven Reid for the winner.
The 26-year-old played in the left-wing role but has previously shone for England and former club, Aston Villa, in central midfield.
However with competition for the midfield positions fierce, Ferguson admits it is unlikely the £16million summer signing will be be handed a central attacking spot at the moment.
'Ashley can play in different positions but I’m not saying it’s going to happen at the moment,' said Ferguson. 'He’s filling the left-hand side very well but there’s options to play him right or off the front.
'The option to play him centrally is not looking great for him, though, with Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov plus even Ryan Giggs can play there. So we’re looking more at the wide positions for him.
'But it can help a player in terms of the consistency of playing. John O’Shea, for instance, wasn’t in a starting position all the time but, because of his versatility, he made nearly 400 appearances for us in his career here.'