Young praises Villa, relishes United chance

New Manchester United signing Ashley Young has said he will be indebted to Aston Villa for their role in his career.

The winger completed the switch from Villa Park to Old Trafford on Thursday, in a five-year deal reported to be worth around 16 million pounds.

Young said he was sad at the prospect of leaving Birmingham, but said the opportunity to join the reigning English Premier League champions was one he could not pass up.

“Of course, I’m going to miss Aston Villa, all the fans, the manager and the staff were all fantastic and helped me along,” Young said.

“But to get the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world was one that I couldn’t turn down.”

“To play with such great players that play for the club and hopefully become part of the history of winning the 20th title is a prospect that I’ve always looked at.”

“As a child I always wanted to play for one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve got that opportunity now so I’ve got to take it with two hands.”

Meanwhile, new Villa boss Alex McLeish thanked the 25-year-old for his work on the pitch for the club and wished him luck for his future endeavours.

“Ashley has made a terrific contribution for Villa over the past four-and-a-half seasons and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future,” McLeish told the Villa website.

“He has become an important player in the England team during that time and I’m sure he will be looking forward to the challenge.”