Manchester United were made to fight hard to earn three points on Saturday as a Lewis Dunk own goal helped earn a narrow 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The hosts slogged through an hour without creating any clear-cut chance of note, before a huge stroke of luck gave them their eleventh successive home win. Ashley Young’s long-range effort was wickedly deflected off Lewis Dunk’s boot, catching Mathew Ryan wrong-footed to slot into the back of the net.
The veteran Englishman had been the most dangerous outlet for Jose Mourinho’s men on the night, and many, including a few rival fans, lauded him for his efforts on the day, with Young himself having a word on the goal that was eventually not credited to him.
That was a tough one today, big 3 points in the end! Come on @premierleague….my shot was going on target, I’ve waited long enough for a goal ???? pic.twitter.com/smB6PIcVsI
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) November 25, 2017
Ashley Young at the age of 32 has been absolutely unbelievable for United this season. So relieved we’ve scored.
— Öliver. (@UtdOliver) November 25, 2017
Ashley Young winding back the years with that deflected goal. Could carry huge importance.
Young has performed well every time he’s played this season. Kudos.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 25, 2017
Iconic photo pic.twitter.com/VftsaMnlp9
— José (@MourinhoMindset) November 18, 2017
Some people don’t believe in God but believe in Ashley Young
— Azúcar (@NickiiDupre) November 18, 2017
#MUNBRI #mufc Ashley young you hero ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/srH2RPELRD
— Amit S (@DaStinga) November 25, 2017
As a rival fan from deep in the trenches behind enemy lines, I’ve gotta be honest & say if Ashley Young doesn’t get given that goal, it’ll be asolutely criminal. Like, Robinho level ‘criminal’. Played his socks off for weeks now & fully deserves it. The lad plays for the badge ?
— Bertie Magoo (@Eti_Lad) November 25, 2017
Ashley Young is underrated
— Chemical Brother ? (@ndoarum) November 25, 2017
Couldn’t cover the game today but good to see Ashley Young spread the winning mentality pic.twitter.com/nCB8lAQZWl
— José (@MourinhoMindset) November 25, 2017
Ashley Young’s passion is unreal for MUFC ?#MUFC pic.twitter.com/AU8ObpVk95
— Full Time Reds (@FULLTIMEREDS) November 25, 2017
Many experienced players have gone, but aged 32, Ashley Young has been brilliant in the games he’s played this season. Top professional.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) November 25, 2017
There were words of praise for Victor Lindelof as well, with the Swedish defender putting in an impressive shift at the back.
Unreal tackle from my guy Victor Lindelof! Patience is key in this game.
pic.twitter.com/GmjjbDVx6H— King Jord (@Devildart180) November 25, 2017
Not sure if Vidic or Lindelof? ? #mufc pic.twitter.com/isd0ddmtVQ
— ManUnitedZone (@ManUnitedZone_) November 25, 2017
Victor Lindelof was very good today. Step by step
— O O (@otoiks) November 25, 2017
FT. Ugly win for United but an important one. Maybe a turning point for Victor Lindelof today. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 25, 2017
Thought Lindelof did very well. Tough test against Murray but dealt with it. Probably his best game for United. Should help his confidence.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) November 25, 2017
Lindelof kickstarts his United career https://t.co/ySMHu9yMKl pic.twitter.com/fUyQZJ9GQL
— Manchester Utd News (@UnitedUpdates) November 25, 2017
Very soon, United fans will panic anytime Lindelof gets injured. He will be that important. Just wait, we are coming gradually.
Cc My guy ❤️ @vlindelof
— Ifeoma (@zeanify) November 25, 2017