Young bullish about Champions League ambition

Monday 19 February 2018 22:30

Ashley Young has said Manchester United are in the Champions League to win the competition, as the Reds prepare for Wednesday's las6-16 tie at Sevilla.

The full-back is bullish about the club's chances of going all the way in the competition and lifting the coveted trophy for the first time since 2008.

"It's a massive week," Young told reporters. "We had to get ourselves back to winning ways [at Huddersfield Town] after last weekend [at Newcastle United]. We've got a tough game against Sevilla away and we've got to concentrate on that.

"We can't look too far ahead. Obviously, we know we have got Chelsea coming up and Sevilla is the next game and that's where our thoughts are.

"Can we win the Champions League? Of course. You don't enter a competition not to win it. That's what we will be looking to do and take each game as it comes. The next one is against Sevilla. We just have to concentrate on ourselves."

Ashley Young says

"Can we win the Champions League? Of course. You don't enter a competition not to win it."

Young feels the defenders have come in for some unfair criticism, but a 22nd clean sheet of the season at Huddersfield was more proof that the team is performing well.

"It's fantastic," he added. "I think a lot has been said about defenders and what not - a lot was said last week [after Newcastle] - and it's one of those things. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. Keep getting clean sheets and, hopefully, we can chip in with goals as well as the front boys."

Did you know?
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Ashley Young has helped keep 11 clean sheets this season - which is half of United's overall figure of 22.

Romelu Lukaku took his goal tally to 21 this season with the double at the John Smith's Stadium and Young was quick to praise his team-mate.

"His hold-up play, his all-round game was fantastic and he's done that all throughout the season," added the defender. "He's getting goals and to get two today was brilliant for him. When you've got someone who can hold up the ball like he can, and get in the box, it's fantastic.

"You can see the combinations between him and Alexis Sanchez. Alexis comes inside and Rom's seen him and picked him up as well and they're picking each other out and they have worked well together so far."