ALEX FERGUSON DROPPED Ashley Young to teach him a lesson and stop him from diving.
The Manchester United winger was slammed again last night after he went down under minimal contact and won a penalty against Real Sociedad.
The incident sparked another diving row with new Ireland assistant Roy Keane accusing Young of “conning” the referee and Ray Wilkins describing his action as “pathetic.”
Young has been accused of simulation in the past including two high-profile incidents against QPR and his former club Aston Villa during the 2012 title-run in.
In his new autobiography Ferguson remembers how he punished Young and stopped the problem.
“Ashley ran into trouble against QPR in the 2011–12 season, when Shaun Derry was sent off and our player was accused of diving,” the former United boss wrote.
“I left him out for the next game, and told him that the last thing he needed as a Manchester United player was a reputation for going down easily.
“It wasn’t a penalty kick against QPR and Shaun Derry’s sending-off was not rescinded.
Ashley did it two weeks in a row but we stopped it.Going to ground too willingly was not something I tolerated.
Speaking after last night’s 0-0 draw in San Sebastian, which saw United remain unbeaten and on top of Group A, manager David Moyes defended Young.
“I don’t know about his reputation, but the referee is there and he gave it,” he said.
“I have seen it and the boy certainly tugs him. The ref was two yards from him.”
