Future looking good to Young
ASHLEY YOUNG says Manchester United have put down a marker for next season by beating all of their top-six rivals in the past two months.
Sunday’s last-gasp 2-1 win against Arsenal followed victories over Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League and came a week after FA Cup semi-final success against Tottenham.
Young is taking further encouragement from the fact United came from behind in three of those games. But he admits Jose Mourinho’s team need to be more consistent against lower clubs to challenge neighbours City next season.
United could still reach 86 points, which would have been enough to win the title in previous campaigns, but surprise defeats by Huddersfield, Newcastle and West Brom meant they were unable keep pace with City.
“We have put down a marker against the topsix clubs but we need more,” said Young. “We have to win more games than we have done.
“Around Christmas we were drawing games, there were some late goals against us, and when you look back at those games it could have been different.
“If we can finish with the number of points we know we can get, then to in another season that total would have won us the league.”
But Pablo Zabaleta warns that City will only get stronger. The former City defender witnessed at close quarters the runaway champions’ quality on Sunday when Pep Guardioa’s team thrashed his West Ham 4-1. “I’m sure they will bring a few players in this summer,” Zabaleta said. “The future for City is very bright for the next few years.”