Young in belated diving defence

Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young defended himself against the accusations that he dived to win penalties against QPR and Aston Villa.

The midfielder came under stinging criticism after earning two penalties under suspicious circumstances in those two matches. His manager Sir Alex Ferguson even admitted that he needed to have a word with the player in order to ensure that he would not be so willing to go to the ground in future games.

Nevertheless, Young has broken his vow of silence on the matter and has come out defending his actions.

The former Villa midfielder believes that he did nothing wrong as there was definitely physical contact in the two matches. He stated that it was upto people to make their judgement on whether he went down with the deliberate intention of wanting to win a penalty but he feels that his conscience is clear on the matter.

"I think a lot of people have talked about it and I said at the time I'm not going to get involved, I'm not going to get into it," he told talkSPORT.

"Professionals know that if there is any touch in the box there is a chance that with the speed and the pace that you are running at you are going to go down.

"It has happened but that is in the past. People will have their opinions, which of course they are entitled to. I just say that penalties were given and that is all I can say about it.

"The player's leg was out, I've felt the touch and I've gone down. Whether people are going to say that it is more theatrical than it was, that is for them to say but a penalty was awarded."

Young paid for the media storm following the incidents as Ferguson denied him a regular starting berth in the subsequent matches. The England international only made a late appearance as a substitute in the crucial title decider against Manchester City.

The winger will likely play in EURO 2012 for Roy Hodgson's side but the furore over his alleged diving will not abate for some time to come.

United are currently level on points with City on points difference but have an inferior goal difference and need their city rivals to slip up against Mark Hughes' QPR on Sunday if they are to have any chance of celebrating their 20th league win against Sunderland at the same time.