Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken with Ashley Young about his recent penalty-winning antics and claims the winger 'understands where we are coming from'.
Red Devils boss has spoken with winger about recent tumbles
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken with Ashley Young about his recent penalty-winning antics and claims the winger 'understands where we are coming from'.
Young has found himself at the centre of a diving controversy in recent weeks, with theatrical tumbles against Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa earning debateable spot-kicks.
He has been widely criticised for going to ground too easily and has been warned that he faces earning an unwanted reputation.
United are aware of the need to avoid such a situation, with Old Trafford legend Bryan Robson concerned that decisions may start to go against Young.
Ferguson has sought to address the issue behind closed doors and hopes a quick chat with his England international will see the matter brought to a close.
"I have had a word with Ashley," the Red Devils boss said ahead of a home date with Everton on Sunday.
Difference
"He understands where we are coming from. Hopefully it makes a difference."
While making an effort to speak with Young, Ferguson believes simulation is an issue modern football needs to address as a whole.
"Last week, if the player doesn't bring Ashley down he is going to score," he added.
"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.
Ridiculous
"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 insists such decisions tend to even themselves out over the course of a season
"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."
