Ashley Young banned for three games by FA for elbowing Dusan Tadic in Manchester United draw

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Ashley Young has been banned for three games after accepting the Football Association's charge of violent conduct for elbowing Dusan Tadic during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton.

The off-the-ball incident, which went unnoticed by referee Craig Pawson, took place in the second half of Saturday’s Premier League clash as United defended a Southampton corner.

The FA charged the player after reviewing the incident by video, as it did with Burnley’s James Tarkowski for elbowing Brighton’s Glenn Murray earlier this month.

Young had 5pm on Sunday afternoon to respond to the charge.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino said after the game: "I haven't seen the replay but it is difficult for the referee to see in one second what happened in all different places - but I have to respect the decision."

Jose Mourinho did not mention the incident in his post-match press conference but did claim Pawson’s decision-making “punished” his side as they stumbled to a third draw in as many league games.

Several United players felt as though they should have been awarded a penalty when the ball struck Maya Yoshida's hand in the first half but Pawson waved away all protests.

Speaking afterwards, Mourinho insisted it was a “very clear” penalty.

“I watched on the touchline and it looked for me for very clear but 50 metres distance so I give the referee the benefit of the doubt,” he said.

“I know my players so when I see people like Mata almost in hysterics I know, no doubt and then at half-time I watch it. It is a penalty like Rashford against Leicester, Herrera against City.”