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Ashley Young shrugged off Louis van Gaal’s cutting remark that he’s ‘not a Neymar’ and aims to prove he can be a game changer for Manchester United.

It was a bizarre summer for Young after the Reds manager’s blunt comments on the pre-season tour of America.

“Barcelona has Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. We have to look also for that kind of player. We look for more creativity. You can expect things from Ashley Young. He had a fantastic season. But he is not a Neymar and we have to compete with that kind of class,” said Van Gaal in the States.

The assessment suggested that Young might not even get his wish for a new Old Trafford contract as United planned their late transfer window strategy.

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However, on the eve of the campaign the club announced the 30-year-old had signed a new three year deal.

He started the Premier League opener against Spurs but since has been in LVG’s XI just twice against PSV and Ipswich in the League Cup. His game time has been made up with five sub appearances.

But what of Van Gaal’s ‘Neymar’ comment?

“I wasn’t bothered,” he says.

“I was delighted to sign the contract. I am at the best club in the world. Obviously players come in and there is competition. The manager wants competition and he wants to rotate. I have had that competition throughout my career.

“We have fantastic players here. I said at the start of the season we have fantastic competition. Everybody wants to play but we all have to keep each other on their toes. I will look to give 100 per cent when I am called upon.

“The manager knows what I am capable of and that is why he has used me in games. I know my ability. I am always looking to attack in the position I am. I am one of those players who is creative on the ball and wants to attack. Whenever I am called upon I will go out and do that.

“When you are called upon as a winger you want to create chances and get shots off and hopefully I am doing that. Every player is there to do a job. I am just glad I am not the manager who has to pick the team. He has that headache."

United opened their Champions League Group return with a 2-1 defeat in Eindhoven and now German side Wolfsburg visit Old Trafford on Wednesday.

“It is important to get a win against Wolfsburg. If you want to win the Champions league then you have to win your home games," added Young.

"It was a disappointing start to the European campaign especially the possession and chances we had in Eindhoven that really was disappointing. We have start winning in the group now.”

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