Everton extended their torrid winless run on the weekend, despite a spirited display at Old Trafford.
Facing Manchester United has never been an easy task for the Toffees, let alone during a run of this barren nature and with everything seemingly going against them.
Despite creating countless chances this campaign in almost all the matches they have played, a lack of proficiency has left Sean Dyche’s men with immense regret.
And that was to be no different in Saturday’s early kick-off, with two penalties providing the difference in the end.
In an effort to apologise to fans after what was yet another disappointing result, extending their run without one in the Premier League to 11 matches, Ashley Young took to X.
What Ashley Young said to Everton fans
The former United wide man, who joined Everton in the summer from Aston Villa on a free transfer, has been a rather polarising figure at Goodison Park.
After all, the 38-year-old swift became a favourite for Dyche, and retained his spot despite some high-profile blunders.
Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman were forced to wait in the wings for the veteran to continue letting the side down, before injury finally saw him usurped.
His role as a bench player is now far more suitable, as he came on as a substitute yet again on the weekend too.
Returning to the place where he spent nine hugely successful years, Young was reminiscent whilst also remorseful for his new fanbase.
As such, he wrote: ‘Not the result we wanted. Take the positives and we go again. Thanks for such a great reception.’
How has Ashley Young performed for Everton this season?
When Young was brought in, there was a quiet resignation that, whilst not the most inspiring capture, did represent solid business for a side that everyone knew was financially hamstrung.
This was before their eventual breach and six-point deduction too.
So it made fiscal sense, even if it did little to excite supporters.
However, what ended up alienating them from the manager was his persistence to keep playing the ageing dud, despite his poor performances.
Across just 19 league starts this season Young, who so often was deployed at full-back, became a true liability. Having received four yellow cards and a red card, whilst also committing a penalty and making two errors directly leading to goals, it has not been the smoothest of transitions, via Sofascore.
And even if that has stabilised of late given his removal from the team, he remains an untrustworthy figure when playing.
He boasts experience and a winning mentality in bucketloads, but for his age and current quality levels, a bit-part player is all he can really be for Dyche. Regardless, his comments are appreciated.
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