Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)

Posted Saturday, November 09, 2013 by

David Moyes has lay the responsibility with the referee for Ashley Young's dive to win Manchester United a penalty against Real Sociedad in the Champions League.

The winger was roundly criticised for going to ground, but the Old Trafford boss was staunch in his defence of the player.

Moyes was speaking ahead of United's crucial clash with league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, in which he says a loss won't effect his side's title hopes despite meaning it would sit them 11 points behind the Gunners.

Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)
Standing firm: David Moyes says Ashley Young's dive against Real Soceidad (below) is not an issue

You're kidding: Young after being incorrectly awarded a penalty in the Champions League clash

All eyes will be on Young if selected for the match, but Moyes has batted away speculation of a meeting with the player over the incident.

'The referee was two yards away from it and gave a penalty. If you need to talk to anybody, you should ask the referee.I didn't see an issue at all,' said Moyes.

It leads Moyes to conclude Young is being judged on reputation rather than the actual event.

'I do think a little bit of that,' he said. 'I also think the referee made the decision. If he had been a long way away, you could have maybe said what was it? But he was two yards away.

Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)
Midfield Maestros: Arsenal, with Mesut Ozil (left) and Aaron Ramsey, are five points clear at the top of the league

Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)
Leading the way: Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has defied the critics with a brilliant season so far

'He refereed the Champions League final so you are expecting him to be as qualified as anybody.

'If anything you should be more talking about the referee than the player.'

Moyes also hit back at claims his team are out of the title race, insisting United have just as much chance as Arsenal of claiming the trophy.

United sit in eighth place in the Premier League table, and a defeat on Sunday will see them 11 points adrift of Arsene Wenger's men.

Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)
Hope: Wayne Rooney (left) has formed a striking partnership with former Gunner Robin van Persie

'You can only judge the best teams at the end of the season,' he said. 'Arsenal have got the same chance of winning the Premier League as the rest of us.

'They have had a really good start but this game won’t decide the League.'

Asked about going 11 points behind he said: ‘We have to make sure we that doesn’t happen but if it does we’ll do our best and there is an awful lot of football left.'

Wenger, meanshile, admitted he still saw United forward Robin van Persie as an Arsenal player despite offloading him to Old Trafford.

Young 'dive' isn't an issue, says Moyes as United boss claims his side have as much chance of title as Arsenal (even though a loss will see them 11 points behind)
Lion: But Danny Welbeck will not feature for England in their next two matches

Moyes replied: 'Robin is a Man United player but I am sure he understands that he started at Arsenal and that is very important. But he came here to help this club secure the title. Most people in Manchester will consider him a United player.'

One United player who won't be in action is Danny Welbeck, who Moyes revealed is also set to miss England's friendlies against Chile and Germany.

'He is still suffering with his knee,' said Moyes.