Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to have Ashley Young back and amongst the goals for their Europa League win at Ajax.

Young marked his first appearance since Christmas with his fourth goal of the season, breaking the deadlock after a dismal first-half display.

"It was Ashley's first game in two months," said Ferguson.

"Nani came back as well, Phil Jones has played a full game, which is good for us and Tom Cleverley has played a bit of football too so bit by bit we are getting stronger."

With Javier Hernandez adding to Young's effort, United can now hit the cruise button for next Thursday's Old Trafford return, which is followed by a trip to Norwich four days later.

However, Ferguson admitted the outcome did not look likely at the interval.

"The result was better than the performance," he said.

"The first half was disappointing. We found it difficult to get rhythm and speed to our game. Ajax pressed the ball very well and played nice football.

"We had to waken up in the second half because we were making it difficult for ourselves.

"The second half improved and we made some good opportunities. We deserved to win and you can't complain too much when you win 2-0 away from home."