Ashley Young has praised the Premier League’s introduction of goal line technology after Manchester United benefited from it twice in the space of four days.

Referee Anthony Taylor needed Hawk-Eye to give Chris Smalling’s goal against Hull on Saturday.

And the United fans inside Old Trafford on Tuesday night had an anxious wait before Jonathan Moss waved play on after Young had cleared Mame Diouf’s shot off the line against Stoke.

Young’s heroics were particularly important as Stoke chased a late equaliser.

But the 29-year-old was happy to take the help of goal line technology as United recorded a fourth win in a row.

Young told the club website: “We are delighted that it has been brought in.

“The referee was there with his watch and, as soon as the ball hit my foot and was cleared off the line, I looked to see if he was whistling for a goal.

“He wasn’t and we managed to hold on to the win, so thank God for goal line technology.”

Young was again asked to play at left-back against Stoke as Luke Shaw continues his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered against Arsenal.

He impressed going forward, terrorising Stoke right-back Phil Bardsley.

And he was in the right place at the right time to save United at the end after David De Gea had a made a vital save from Diouf’s header.

Young added: “I’m not too sure what I was thinking beforehand.

“Diouf had the shot and I think it came off my bum and went the other way.

“It was just a reaction to turn around and run in that direction.

“I saw it fall to Mame and it was just a reaction to stick my leg out and hope for the best.

“Luckily I cleared it, but I felt we were the team that could have got more goals.

“It wasn’t meant to be but we stand here now with the three points and we are looking forward to the next game.”

Louis van Gaal declared himself unhappy with United’s first-half display against Stoke.

And while they created far more chances after the break, they were left hanging on at the end.

Young admitted afterwards it was an important win as they look to build some momentum ahead of games against Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham later this month.

He added: “It was a bit scary at the end but we knew that’s what Stoke would do, pressure us in the last 10 minutes.

“We felt that would come and we had to defend as a team.

“Everybody did brilliantly, from the goalkeeper all the way to the forwards.

“We’re delighted to get the three points.”