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It is a move that has been anticipated for weeks - Manchester United have officially completed their second summer signing by announcing that Ashley Young will be joining the club on a five-year-deal. The England international had been seen around Old Trafford on Wednesday undergoing a medical and it is believed that he is moving to Old Trafford from Aston Villa for a reported fee ranging between £15-million and £20-million.
The 25-year-old had a successful four years at Villa Park - a time in which he established himself as a quality two-footed winger and within the past year or so, he also showed the ability to excel in a withdrawn role to the striker. His progress as a player has led to an increased role with the England national team and during their recent lackluster performances, it is Young that has proved to be a rare shining light in the England shirt. Young bring value in his versatility to United.
A statement from United on their official club website in regards to Young announced:
"The player passed a medical in Manchester this week and has agreed a five-year contract"
Source: manutd.com
It is no secret that Young desired Champions League football and a move away from Villa Park was imminent when he expressed no desire to extend his contract - one that was due to expire after the upcoming season. Newly appointed Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish had this to say about the departing attacker:
"Ashley has made a terrific contribution for Villa over the past four and a half seasons and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future. He has become an important player in the England team during that time and I'm sure he will be looking forward to this new challenge."
In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Young added:
"the oppurtunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down. It's a chance to... hopefully become part of the history by helping to win the 20th title. It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child: to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world."
Young joins Phil Jones as United other official summer signing thus far. It is speculated that Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea will join them once the U-21 European Championships come to an end. In other transfer rumor news, the Daily Express is reporting that Lens defender Raphael Verane has turned down United so that he can negotiate a move to Real Madrid instead.