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Young seals Manchester United switch

Ashley Young joined Aston Villa from Watford for $15 million in January 2007.
Ashley Young joined Aston Villa from Watford for $15 million in January 2007.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Manchester United have completed the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa
  • Young, 25, is United's second signing of the transfer window after Phil Jones
  • The England international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford

(CNN) -- Premier League champions Manchester United have confirmed the signing of England international winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Young, 25, is United's second signing of the transfer window, after defender Phil Jones joined from Blackburn Rovers, and has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

"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 their history by helping them to win their 20th title.

The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down
--Ashley Young
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"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child -- to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," he added.

"I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with both hands."

The former Watford forward moved to Villa Park for $15 million in January 2007 and captained the Birmingham-based outfit for part of last season.

He made 157 Premier League appearances for Villa, scoring 30 goals, and has 15 caps for his country.

"Ashley has made a terrific contribution for Villa over the past four-and-a-half seasons and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future," newly-appointed Villa manager Alex McLeish told Villa's official website.

"He has become an important player in the England team during that time and I'm sure he will be looking forward to this new challenge," added McLeish.

Young scored the equalizer for Fabio Capello's England side in their recent 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley, and has started their last three matches.

United's latest recruit scored against his new employers for Villa in a 2-2 draw in November 2010.