Young wary of safe option as Manchester United face make-or-break clash in Basle
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:27 AM on 6th December 2011
Ashley Young is adamant Manchester United will not adopt a safety-first attitude in their make-or-break Champions League encounter with FC Basle.
After tossing away a two-goal lead against the Swiss champions on matchday two and then failing to overcome Benfica at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's men must avoid defeat if they are to book their customary spot in the last 16.
Hit and miss: Ashley Young's form has mirrored United's season
It is not quite what Ferguson intended when the draw was made, and even qualification will be bitter-sweet as United are almost certain to be condemned to a runners-up berth which would set up potential meetings with heavyweight quartet Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Young admits he is still a relative newcomer to the tournament.
However, he has been with the Red Devils long enough to know there is not a chance of United sitting back to secure the point they so desperately require.
'It would be dangerous to think we only need a draw,' said the former Aston Villa man. 'No one at this club has that mentality.
'We still have it in our hands to go there and qualify, which was the main target and we will be trying to win.'
Although he was part of a United side that carved out yet another single-goal victory at Villa Park on Saturday, Young is still to find the devastating early-season form that secured a succession of high-scoring wins.
It proved exactly why Ferguson was prepared to splash out £18million on him, triggering a move Young did not need to have second thoughts about.
Blow: United were held 3-3 by Basle at Old Trafford
'They don't come much bigger than Manchester United,' he said.
'I have always had confidence in my own ability and the club had enough confidence to sign me.
'I know quite a few players through England, so I settled in straight away.'
With Javier Hernandez ruled out for a month, Danny Welbeck only just back from a muscular problem suffered on England duty and Dimitar Berbatov sweating on his fitness after aggravating an ankle injury in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last week, Young may be required to fill a more orthodox attacking role.
It is something he has done with a measure of success for England, after being shuffled into the slot by Gerard Houllier during the Frenchman's time at Villa Park.
Not that Young has a preference for where he wants to play.
'I don't have a favourite position,' he said.
'As long as I am in the team I am happy. The modern-day footballer has to be versatile.'
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