Ashley Young not apologetic about diving claims

Young unapologetic over diving claims

Ashley Young said that both Sir Alex Ferguson and his successor David Moyes have had words with him about going down frequently in the penalty area, but he does not seem to think of it as a serious concern.

“It’s been talked about by the previous manager and the current manager, but that’s in-house,” Young said in several newspapers.

“I’m not going to comment on what’s been said. I understand what you’re saying (about gaining a reputation) and everyone is going to have their say on it, but the referees are giving decisions and that is where I think it lies.”

Young was shown the yellow card for diving against Crystal Palace this season but then won a disputable penalty later in the same game,while in Champions League, he went over easily in the match away to Real Sociedad.

Young enraged fans of his former club last season when he went down against Aston Villa. United will be playing against them this Sunday.

“I remember getting booked against Palace and then won a penalty,” he said.

“Against Sociedad it was another penalty that was given. Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions I think.

“I don’t take notice of the headlines or the debates. That’s obviously for people to have their say on it, and everyone is entitled to have their say on it. For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it.”

The 28-year-old winger has not been able to regularly get into the first team this season ever after having disappointed at the start of the season. He has been singled out regularly by fans and critics and there have been rumours that Moyes is ready to part with the player in January.

“Obviously it’s been disappointing I’ve not been involved as much as I’d have liked,” he added.

“Right now, I’m not thinking about the World Cup, I’m thinking about playing for United.

“You always want to play in the biggest tournaments, so of course I want to be on that plane but I don’t think there’s a player who has been involved in the squad that doesn’t.”