Ashley Young Banned 3 Matches for Violent Conduct After Elbow vs. Southampton

The Football Association suspended Manchester United full-back Ashley Young for three games for violent conduct in United's 0-0 draw with Southampton on Saturday.

"He accepted a violent conduct charge following an off-the-ball incident during yesterday's game against Southampton, but argued the suspension was excessive," the FA said in a statement. "This was rejected by a Regulatory Commission."

Although referee Craig Pawson missed the indiscretion when it happened, television cameras captured Young elbowing Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic in the stomach.

As a result of the suspension, Young will miss Monday's game against Everton, as well as an FA Cup fixture with Derby County and a Premier League match against Stoke City.

Young's absence could be costly given Manchester United's recent form. The club has drawn its past three league fixtures and lost 2-1 to Bristol City in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup. 

United will also be without Romelu Lukaku for the time being after he was stretchered off in the 14th minute of the draw with Southampton.

Missing two key players in Young and Lukaku isn't the way Manchester United will have wanted to start the new year.