Manchester United star Ashley Young has conceded that he relished the opportunity to play as a winger against Swansea City at the weekend.
Having made most of his appearances as a full-back for United this season, the England international was restored to his favoured role as a winger in an unconventional 3-2-4-1 system adopted by Louis van Gaal in the 2-1 win.
While Young also had a hand in a goal by providing the assist for Anthony Martial, he revealed that it felt great to play further up the field having been burdened by a more defensive role in recent years.
“Of course I enjoyed myself,” Young told MUTV. “I’m an out-and-out winger. I’ve played at full-back in the last few weeks but when you are a winger you get to get forward and I enjoyed that.
“There was obviously the defensive side of things to do so I had to be aware of that.”
Van Gaal had been under immense pressure in recent weeks after going eight games without a victory in all competitions, and so the criticism has started to deteriorate as the Dutchman attempts to get the club’s season back on track.
Part of that could be down to the fact that he has allowed his players more freedom and has played the likes of Young in their natural positions which in turn has seen United play with more attacking intent that has excited the supporters.
While attention switches to the FA Cup this weekend when they face Sheffield United, Van Gaal will undoubtedly hope that they can continue to build some momentum in the second half of the campaign.