Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson’s taunts about his team’s home penalty count ahead of their top-of-the-table clash on Sunday by branding United winger Ashley Young a diver.
After hearing Ferguson's comments about City being awarded so many penalties at home, the Italian recalled the England winger’s antics last season when he was roundly condemned for his theatrical behaviour in winning spot kicks on successive weeks in April against QPR and former club Aston Villa. Even his own manager refused to defend him at the time and admitted he was pushing his luck.
Mancini said: "I remember very well last year, when Young (gesturing) swimming in the...
"I think four or five times in the last 10 games, and then (Ferguson) didn't say anything, but this can happen."
Mancini’s comments came as Ferguson, using all his experience after more than 25 years in charge, sought to heighten tensions ahead of Sunday’s game at the Etihad with United seeking to avoid their third straight derby defeat.
Both teams have been awarded the same number of penalties at home since the beginning of the 2010-11 season – 21.