Monday 17 April 2017 23:40, UK
Ashley Young believes Manchester United's resounding victory over Chelsea was a performance waiting to happen and now he wants more of the same.
United's profligacy in front of goal has left Jose Mourinho's side battling for a top-four place rather than challenging for the Premier League title.
Such problems, along with United's Europa League exertions, meant few saw past Antonio Conte's side increasing their lead over chasing Tottenham on Easter Sunday, but Chelsea were in for a blow to their title aspirations at a boisterous Old Trafford.
Young was as proud of the display as he was to captain United for the first time, saying "every man was fantastic from start to finish" as his side stylishly ended a frustrating run of home draws.
"We have felt that kind of performance coming," the versatile and experienced 31-year-old said. "There have been a lot of draws at home.
"I don't think a lot of people saw that scoreline coming or the type of game to be honest. We did.
"We have belief in ourselves. I have confidence in every single player in the squad.
"There is great competition in the squad. We have a busy month and everyone has to be ready and on their toes. I don't think a lot of people expected it but we did."
The Blues failed to muster a single shot on target for the first time since September 2007 as United stifled their attacking prowess, with Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera securing a win more comprehensive than the 2-0 scoreline suggests.
Anderlecht are the next opponents for United on Thursday in the Europa League quarter-final second leg and Young could well start the return fixture.
The performance also bodes well for the remainder of the season, with fifth-placed United four points behind their nearest rivals and neighbours Manchester City but boasting at least a game in hand.
"There have been high standards here since I signed for the club and we want to be pushing on," Young, a Premier League winner four years ago, said.
"A lot has been said about how we want to finish fourth but I am that kind of person who wants to achieve more than that. I want to finish higher than that.
"Hopefully we have a semi-final coming up. If we can play like we did against Chelsea, then I am sure we can get through against Anderlecht and into the semi-finals."
After talk earlier in the year about a move to China ended, the 31-year-old has featured regularly across the competitions and being named captain on Sunday was reward for his impressive consistency and confirmation of his place as one of Mourinho's most dependable players.
Sunday's display may also caught the eye of watching England manager Gareth Southgate, but Young is not getting carried away three-and-a-half years after winning the last of his 30 caps against Ukraine.
"It is always an honour and maybe one day it (an England call-up) will happen again," he said.
"But I am just concentrating on Manchester United and wanting to play well here. It is down to the England manager."
Young was particularly complimentary of teammate Rashford, who stood out against Chelsea after opening the scoring.
"I said it all along that, when he was coming through the youth team and reserves, you could see there was something special about him," Young said.
"He plays the game with hunger. It comes natural to him.
"When he does things quick I don't think there are many defenders who can live with him.
"He was fantastic for us and we needed the outlet. When he can get in behind he is a threat.
"He has a massive future in front of him not only for Manchester United but for England as well."
