Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson tells Ashley Young to stop diving
Sir Alex Ferguson has "had a word" with Ashley Young amid diving accusations that have been levelled against the Manchester United winger.
For the last two weekends, Young has received severe criticism for going down far too easily to earn his side penalties. United legend Bryan Robson has warned the former Aston Villa man that it may come back to haunt him as referees may be reluctant to award him spot-kicks in the future.
Young has also faced criticism from United fans with fanzine Red Issue laying into the winger for 'his latest disgraceful dive’, adding that ‘diving is cheating’ and is a betrayal of the code of conduct instilled at the club by Matt Busby.
Ferguson, however, confirmed this morning that he has spoken to the winger about the situation. "I have had a word with Ashley," said Ferguson. "He understands where we are coming from. Hopefully it makes a difference."
After watching this week's Champions League semi-finals, Ferguson feels we are in an era where anything goes. "Last week, if the player doesn't bring Ashley down he is going to score," said Ferguson. "It was a clear goalscoring opportunity. "He caught him and he did overdo the attempt to get a penalty.
I am not sure he tried to get the penalty but he certainly went down quickly.
"But people have reacted because it is Manchester United. I watched Real Madrid and Bayern Munich the other night and it was absolutely ridiculous, players were diving and rolling about, nothing like what Young has been accused of. "Then you see the other night in the Chelsea game, we are in an age where you expect it now."
Ferguson continues to insist such decisions even themselves out. "We didn't get one against Wigan during the week. We didn't scream from the rooftops about it. It happens," he said. "We got one given against us for Newcastle, we didn't scream about that either. You get bad decisions and good ones. Believe me, it does even itself out."
Ferguson, who is preparing his side for Sunday's Premier League contest with Everton, also confirmed that Anderson and Paul Pogba have been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
In truth, neither man was expected to play a significant role over the next four games.
Michael Owen, however, could be involved in the season run-in. The striker has returned to training and could play some part, if not against Everton at Old Trafford, then the following games against Manchester City, Swansea and Sunderland.
"I have said time and time again that Michael is a player who can score important goals if you are struggling in a match," said Ferguson. "He has had a hard time with injuries. When he gets them it is usually months."
Sunday's game marks another appearance for Wayne Rooney against his old club. Rooney only requires one more goal to equal George Best and Dennis Viollet in the all-time United scoring charts, that pair reaching 176.
However, Ferguson sees no reason why Rooney cannot overtake the club record of 249 currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton.
"He has every chance of beating that - I am sure he will do it," said Ferguson.
Penalties won in Premier League, since 2009/10
ASHLEY YOUNG 9
Darren Bent 7
Didier Drogba 5
Andrew Johnson 5
Luis Suárez 4
Carlton Cole 4
Patrice Evra 4
Cesc Fabregas 4
Theo Walcott 4
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...rguson-tells-Ashley-Young-to-stop-diving.html
