Ashley Young eyes title after sealing Manchester United switch

The England international, 26 next month, passed a medical in Manchester on Wednesday and the formalities of the transfer, reported to be worth anything between 16 million and 20 million, from Aston Villa were completed within 24 hours. He becomes United's second signing of the summer, following Blackburn's England Under-21 international Phil Jones after he was signed for 16.5 million almost a fortnight ago.

"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told MUTV. "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. I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson will hope Young can play a key role as he begins overhauling the squad which won a record 19th title in May. He scored 39 goals in 193 appearances but, significantly, in the last five Barclays Premier League seasons only Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists.

Despite United finishing nine points clear of second-placed Chelsea last season, Ferguson always knew he would have to make changes to the playing staff. The retirements of midfielder Paul Scholes, right-back Gary Neville and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar left huge holes in terms of experience while other exits - such as defender Wes Brown - are expected.

Injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves' release has freed up another place in the squad while veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs will be 38 in November and centre-back Rio Ferdinand has struggled with his fitness.

To that end Ferguson has moved quickly in the transfer market by bringing in two of England's brightest talents. In doing so he has also stolen a march on arch-rival Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool, who was interested in both Young and Jones.