Former Liverpool and Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has defended Ashley Young after a poor run of form from the veteran full-back.
Young is currently United’s captain with club captain Antonio Valencia enduring a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an injury, but has been criticised for recent performances which saw him get sent off during a 2-1 loss against Wolves and then struggle to make an impact in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
But Ince compared Young to Liverpool’s James Milner, citing the influence the 33-year-old brings as a senior figure at the club.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Ashley Young, with the sending off against Wolves and his poor performance against Barcelona,” Ince said.
“But the fact is, you know what you’re getting with him.
“He’s a senior player, a great pro that has been at United for years, and it’s not fair to make him a scapegoat now.
“He’s the James Milner of Man United. But the fact is, as you get older it gets more difficult.
“He’s no spring chicken, so you’re going to have appearances where you’re not at your best, and that’s what we’re seeing with him now.
“But he’s still a leader, he talks and gives 100%. He was no worse than anyone else on Wednesday [against Barcelona], but fans like to have someone to blame.”
Young has won every major trophy at United barring the Champions League since joining in 2011, a spell that has seen him make over 230 appearances for the club.
