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What Sir Alex Ferguson previously said about Ashley Young diving after late VAR drama in Everton vs Manchester United
Everton and Manchester United drew 2-2 at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon in what was another dramatic game involving David Moyes’ side.
Indeed, just over a week on from Everton’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Goodison, the Toffees played out another dramatic draw with one of the Premier League’s big boys.
Everton squandered a 2-0 lead in the second-half, but they could have won it late in the day after what appeared to be a foul by Matthijs De Ligt on Ashley Young.
Andy Madley initially gave the penalty, but a VAR review overturned the decision.
Of course, there have been other VAR controversies involving Everton this season.
Ashley Young did appear to go down easily after a light tug from De Ligt, and many United fans may be familiar with the way Young went down.
Indeed, Young sprawled as he went to ground, exaggerating his fall by throwing his arms out, and we’ve seen Young go down very similarly in the past when he’s dived to win penalties.
Young had a reputation as a diver earlier in his career, so much so that Alex Ferguson even commented on it during his time at Manchester United.
What Alex Ferguson said about Ashley Young diving
Young went down to try and win a penalty against United on Saturday, and we’ve seen very similar from the England international in the past.
Indeed, Young doesn’t mind going down under a slight bit of contact, and Alex Ferguson even noted in 2012, via the , that Young was getting a reputation as a diver.
“He’s going to have to be careful because people are scrutinising it now,” Ferguson said.
“The thing is, it could be in a really important game where there’s a blatant penalty and he’ll not get it because he gets a reputation for the diving.”
“He’s a sensible lad and he’ll stand there, look in the mirror and think ‘I’ve got to be a bit more careful and stay on my feet a little bit’.”
What Ashley Young has said about his reputation
13 years on from Ferguson’s comments, Young potentially trying to buy penalties is still a plot point in the Premier League.
Via , Young has previously spoken about his reputation for diving.
“Of course I understand what you’re saying and everyone is going to have their say on it, but I’ve spoken to the previous manager and current manager, the referees are giving decisions and that is where I think it lies. It’s been talked about [to me] but that’s in-house. I’m not going to comment on what’s been said,” Young said.
“I think it’s one to ask the referees – they’re the ones who are giving free-kicks and penalties. I remember getting booked against Palace and then won a penalty. Against Real Sociedad it was another penalty that was given. Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions, I think.”
“I don’t take notice of the headlines or the debates. That’s obviously for the media to debate and people to have their say on it and everyone is entitled to have their say on it. For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it.”
Alex Ferguson will have been relieved to see the penalty call overturned on Saturday, and maybe, just maybe, the reputation that Young has cultivated over the past decade and a half played a part in the VAR call.