The dark art of diving

It takes some cheek to gain an advantage by diving or feigning injury but a whole lot more to keep a straight face while solemnly deflecting responsibility for same.

Step forward Ashley Young who, after Manchester United’s 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk this week, was questioned about his propensity for what is euphemistically referred to in the game as “going down too easily”.

Young accepted he has a reputation for diving – that was nice of him — and even admitted the matter had been spoken about “in-house” though he declined to reveal the details. But, breathtakingly, he then went on to suggest that, really, it was an issue not for players, but for officials.