Young confident of Europa turnaround

Ashley Young is confident that Manchester United can reach the Europa League quarter-finals despite losing to Athletic Bilbao last week.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat to their La Liga opponents at Old Trafford last week, and will have to make history if they are turn the tie around in the second leg at San Mames on Thursday.

United have lost a first-leg home tie just twice in European competition during their long history, and were eliminated on both occasions.

However, midfielder Young believes the current side are capable of overturning the unwanted record.

“It is unusual that we find ourselves in this position but there is a great team spirit here and everyone is full of confidence,” said the England international.

“Our form in general makes us believe we can score wherever we play.”

“Our attacking play has been fantastic of late and we believe we can score the two goals we need.”

Despite United sitting on a narrow one-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, the 26-year-old insists the players are focused on victory in the Europa League as well, dismissing the claim that it is a distraction.

“We want to win every competition we enter and the Europa League is no different.”

“Our focus has not changed from the start of the season.”

“Bilbao were an impressive team last week. They were a very attacking team, had a good team shape and at times we found them hard to break down.”

“But I am sure if we are on our game 100 per cent we can go there and get the win we need.”

After returning from injury and bagging a double in the 3-1 away win at Tottenham, Young admits he is happy with his current form.

“It is nice to be contributing,” Young said.

“As a winger you are there to get assists and goals and that is what I have been doing.”

“Fingers crossed it can continue and we can keep winning.”