David Moyes Faces a Difficult Decision After Ashley Young's Latest Indiscretion

David Moyes has got a decision to make about Ashley Young.

He was booked for diving against Crystal Palace in September, leading Moyes to reprimand the England winger. It also led the Manchester United manager to say he would like to see retrospective action taken against offenders.

But Young's theatrics against Real Sociedad on Tuesday night suggest the message hasn't yet gotten through.

Diving is a difficult problem to police. The slightest touch can send a flying forward tumbling over. Slow-motion replays only make it look worse.

In a ideal world, players wouldn't have to fall to the ground to show they've been impeded. But on Sunday at Goodison Park, the game between Everton and Tottenham provided a perfect example of why they do it.

Seamus Coleman was clipped by Jan Vertonghen in the penalty area and could have gone over. But he stayed on his feet and scuffed a shot wide. Referee Kevin Friend gave nothing.

Friend would have had a decision to make had Coleman gone to ground.

Coleman tried to stay on his feet but was punished for it. He's likely to remember that the next time he's in that situation.

For Moyes, though, Young's latest indiscretion is going to make for uncomfortable viewing. He has now had a talking to from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Moyes.

But his dive to win a penalty against Real Sociedad was arguably the worst of the lot.

Moyes has taken a hard line on diving in the past. He condemned Luis Suarez before one Liverpool derby. And he tore strips off his captain Phil Neville after he was booked for diving in the same game.

But Neville didn't do it again. Young has.

If a word in the ear was Moyes' first attempt at rehabilitating Young, there will be plenty of observers interested in what his second move will be.

Moyes could fine him or even ban him for a game.

A ban would be applauded by many in the game, but it sets a dangerous precedent. With Young struggling for form, his absence wouldn't make much difference to United at the moment.

But would Moyes be happy to leave out a key player for a big game to make a point? It depends how strong his will is.

Young is facing an awkward couple of days while he undergoes trial by slow-motion replay. But it won't be as uncomfortable as his next conversation with Moyes.