Robbo warns Young of diving risks

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has warned Ashley Young he is running the risk of not getting a penalty he deserves by developing a reputation as a diver.

For two successive weekends, the England winger has been at the centre of a controversial penalty decision.

Both against QPR and Aston Villa, Young was accused of going to ground far too easily in order to gain spot-kicks for his team.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the £18million former Aston Villa man has gone down theatrically, whilst also claiming both penalties were valid.

And, ahead of the Sunday lunchtime encounter with Everton, Robson has issued his own words of warning.

“I thought the one against QPR was a little bit harsh on them and it probably was a dive,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.

“But I have looked at replays of the weekend one and the defender did catch Ashley on the foot.

“Yes, he did make it a bit dramatic. If he had just gone down because of the connection on his foot, I

don’t think too much would have been made of it.

“But he is going to have to be careful because people are scrutinising him now.

“The thing is, in a really important game towards the end of the season there might be a blatant penalty and he won’t get it because he has a reputation for diving.”

However, Robson feels it is wrong to single out one player for special attention when the problem is far more widespread across the Premier League, with the myth of it being a problem purely with continental players now exposed.

“Loads of players do go down very easily and do take a dive,” he said.

“It is not just within Manchester United. At most clubs a player will try to get a penalty if he thinks he can get away with it.

“If you get fouled in the box, go down but it has to be something that knocks you off balance.”

Robson knows all eyes will be on Young again this weekend, although after being at the centre of so much fuss, he doesn’t envisage a problem this weekend.

“Ashley is a sensible lad,” said Robson.

“He will have seen all the publicity. He will look in the mirror and say he has to be a bit more careful.

“Instead of going down, he needs to stay on his feet and put the ball into the net.”