It may come as a surprise to others but Manchester United fans will have no problem with Ashley Young’s pick for his toughest ever opponent.
Ashley Young has enjoyed a lengthy career, that’s now in its 21st year, which has seen him compete at all levels.
The 38-year-old started off at Watford before spending three-and-a-half years at Aston Villa. Young was then signed by Manchester United for £17m in 2011.
Young was brought in as a dynamic winger but over his eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford converted into a versatile full-back who could play on either flank.
He became captain of the club before then leaving England for Italy where he won Serie A at Inter. Young returned to Villa in 2021 before joining Everton on a free this past summer.
Young has played for more than two decades at big clubs, smaller clubs, abroad, for England and in different positions. He has come up against all manner of quality opponents in his time.
But out of all of them, he’s picked Wes Brown as the toughest.
Ashley Young names Wes Brown as his toughest opponent
Speaking in a YouTube short on Everton’s official channel, Young said when asked who his hardest opponent ever is: “Wes Brown, cause I’m a winger, ain’t I?
“So obviously defender, toughest opponent, Wes Brown.”
A very good shout
Some may snort at Young’s pick, especially given Erling Haaland scored twice against Everton this month alone, but it’s easy to forget how good Brown was.
Capable at right-back or in the heart of the defence, Brown was an extremely solid and reliable defender.
You don’t make 362 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side if you are not of the highest quality. And he’s a two-time Champions League winner, too, of course.
It’s a shame to think about how many more games he could have played if he wasn’t hampered by injuries and perhaps he would have an even greater legacy.
But it’s about time someone put respect on Brown’s name and Young has done just that.
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