Ashley Young says he feels finally like a first choice at Manchester United.

The 29-year-old moved to Old Trafford in June 2011 from Aston Villa, but acknowledges it took time for him to come into his own at the club.

Young now feels he has an important role under Louis van Gaal, and told ManUtd.com: "I was looking around and thinking I was in the top six or seven who have been here the longest now. Whereas I used to say I was a youngster, now I can only say that by my name.

"To be honest, a few of my team-mates have mentioned my name when they talk about characters and jokers and it's always nice to hear that. You have got to have good team spirit and we have got that here. We always have done.

"There are people who like to mess about and do different things in the dressing room. There are big characters in the dressing room and everyone gets on with everybody else. The team spirit we have got here is brilliant."