Man Utd's Ashley Young hits back over dive cheat claims

ASHLEY YOUNG has refused to apologise for diving and says he will let referees decide if he is cheating or not.

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FALL GUY: Ashley Young does not accept that he is a diver, insisting that whatever the ref calls is the right decision [MARTIN RICKETT/PA WIRE]

The England and Manchester United star has been at the ­centre of several diving storms in recent seasons after seeming to go to ground too easily.

The problem got so bad that he was warned about his conduct by Sir Alex Ferguson, while ­current ­manager David Moyes has also done the same.

The latest controversy saw Young dive to earn United a ­penalty in their Champions League clash at Real Sociedad last month.

The incident saw a host of ex-players come out and blast Young for cheating, but the winger has defended himself and insisted he doesn’t have a problem.

Speaking about the ­issue for the first time after the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk saw United top their group, Young said: “I think it’s one to ask the ­referees – they are the ones ­giving free-kicks and penalties.

“I remember getting booked against Crystal Palace and then won a penalty. Against Real ­Sociedad it was ­another penalty that was given. Refs have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough time out there ­making decisions, but I think they have made the right decisions.

“I don’t take notice of the ­headlines or the debates. That’s for the media to ­debate and everyone is ­entitled to have their say on it.

“For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it. It’s been talked about obviously by the previous manager and the current manager, but that’s in-house.

“I’m not going to comment on what’s been said.

FOREVER YOUNG: The Utd winger doesn't seem to accept that he has dived against a number of teams [GETTY]

“For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it”

Ashley Young

“Of course I understand what people are saying about getting a reputation and everyone is going to have their say on it.
“But, like I say, I’ve spoken to the previous manager and the current manager and the referees are giving decisions and that is where I think it lies.”
Young has been targeted by United fans this season after struggling to make an impact.\

He insists he can handle the stick but admits his stuttering form could cost him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Young added: “To be honest, I think you always have a bit of criticism now and then, it’s the way you take it.
“I’m a positive person. I always want to play well and go and show the fans how I can play. The fans have been brilliant since the day I came here and we want to do well for them.

“Obviously it has been ­disappointing that I’ve not been ­involved as much as I would have liked. Every player in the squad wants to play every game and I’m no different to that.
“I want to play each game but it’s up to the manager to pick the team, so I’ve just got to keep ­doing the things that are right in training and take my chances when I’m given them.

“Right now I’m not thinking about the World Cup, just about playing for United. But you always want to play in the biggest tournaments for club or country.
“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 want to be on the plane.
“I’m not too sure about my chances, you would have to ask the England ­manager about that.”