Stephen Warnock expects good reception for Ashley Young on Aston Villa return

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Ashley Young returns to Aston Villa this weekend for the first time since his summer move to Manchester United with defender Stephen Warnock expecting him to receive a warm reception from the home fans.

Young spent four and a half years with Villa before moving to Old Trafford in a deal which saw United pay around £17million.

Warnock expects supporters to understand why England international Young opted to join the Red Devils.

He said: "I think Ashley will go down as a modern day great for Villa.

"I wouldn't expect anything less than a good reception for Ashley from our fans.

"He was a great servant to the club but it's not often the Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up want to sign you.

"We're a club who want to progress but Manchester United are at the top and Ashley has aspirations to be a top, top player.

"He has the ability to be one of the best in Europe and I don't think fans can begrudge him that."

Villa are hoping skipper Stiliyan Petrov will be back in contention to face United after he missed the goalless draw at Swansea with a hamstring injury.

PA