Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young has said that defenders are to blame for his being labelled a diver.

The England international came in for a lot of criticism and was accused of overreacting from challenges in order to win a penalty during the 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers and the 4-0 thumping of Aston Villa.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson confessed to having a word with the 26-year-old, but Young has now defended himself from his critics.

"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," Young told talkSPORT.

"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."

United travel to Sunderland on Sunday and have to better Manchester City's result against QPR to win the Premier League.