Young: The future is bright

Ashley Young says Manchester United could provide the core of the England side over the next few seasons.

The winger is already excelling in his new surroundings, emphasising why Sir Alex Ferguson was prepared to splash out £18m to snare the 26-year-old from Aston Villa.

England Under-21 star Phil Jones also joined United this summer while Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have returned from loan spells at Sunderland and Wigan Athletic respectively. 

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Both the latter men joined Young in the England squad for Wednesday's postponed friendly with Holland following Cleverley's call-up on a day which saw the departures of Jack Wilshere, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick with various ailments.

With Chris Smalling also making his way at a club where Wayne Rooney has been an established presence since 2004, there is little wonder it is being suggested Sir Alex Ferguson has pulled together the basis of a team that will lead England into a new era, in much the same way as the famed 'Class of 92'.

"Maybe it could be the core of a new England team," admitted Young.

"I am sure the manager has bought players who are coming through in order to add to the youth we already had.

"After Patrice (Evra) went off (in the Community Shield) I was the oldest player on the pitch at 26.

"It is nice that the players who are coming through are getting that winning mentality and already have a medal that sets us up for the season."

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Meanwhile Young admits he put aside his boyhood love of Arsenal and his hero worship of Ian Wright in order to move to Old Trafford.

Young has claimed it is not so odd for a Gunners fan to find himself wearing the red of an altogether different set of trophy contenders.

"Ian Wright was my hero," he said.

"But even then, if you asked most kids which team they would like to play for, quite a lot would say Manchester United.

"People judge me differently because I am at the biggest club in the world.

"I could tell the difference as soon as I got there.

"I wanted to go a club where I could win titles and medals and play in the biggest competitions. I have a chance to do that now."