If you are trying to impress your new manager, scoring two goals in a game is certainly the right way to go about it. That is exactly what Ashley Young did in Manchester United’s 7-0 demolition of LA Galaxy.
Given just the second half to impress, the winger took his chance to show Louis van Gaal what he can do. Young left it late to make his mark with both of his goals coming in the final minutes of the match, but by capping off the rout of the MLS side he ensured that he would be one of the most talked about players immediately afterwards.
Putting the ball in the back of the net is something the 29-year-old was known for a few years ago. During each of his full seasons at Aston Villa he managed at least eight goals in all competitions, which ultimately encouraged the Red Devils to part with around £20 million to sign him. Since that move, however, eight has been by far the best tally that Young has managed, with that coming in his debut season at Old Trafford. Only featuring in around half of the club’s title-winning season of 2012/13, he failed to score a single goal. In last year’s disastrous campaign for United, the former Watford man netted just three times in 30 games.
There are many players with a point to prove to van Gaal, and Young is definitely one of them. Having got off to a good start in his attempt to make himself part of the Dutchman’s plans, he will hope to use the rest of pre-season to resurrect his United career.