Ashley Young insists he isn’t a cheat.

England star Young has found himself branded a “diver” on more than one occasion this season for the way he wins penalties and free-kicks for Manchester United.

The backlash against the 26-year-old is so strong, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson “had a word” with him about the matter towards the end of the campaign.

Young confirmed he had spoken to Ferguson but refused to reveal whether he had been chastised by his club manager.

He added: “At the end of the day, the referees came to the decisions they did.

“I’m not a cheat. I’m not a diver. I won the penalties. The matter’s been left now.”

Young insists the abuse he received has not affected him as he continues his preparations for England’s European Championship campaign.

The former Aston Villa winger is set to start Monday’s Group D opener against France just off the central striker, with United teammate Wayne Rooney serving a two-match ban.

Rooney has long been regarded as England’s talisman but Young is fast assuming a similar mantle having scored five goals in his last seven internationals and having a hand in more than half of England’s last 20 goals.

“I am feeling confident on the back of a few goals and assists,” Young said.

“There has been a lot talked about what I have to do in that role just off the striker.

“A lot of emphasis has been put on me. I thrive on the pressure. I enjoy it.

“It is an opportunity to run at defenders. That is what I am there to do. There is no better feeling when I do that.”

That is exactly what Rooney did at Euro 2004 eight years ago, with Young hoping to do the same at what is also his first major tournament.

Asked if his suspended teammate had given him any advice, he added: “We all talk to each other. If you have something to say, whether you are a youngster or a senior, you say it.”

Young has started in both new manager Roy Hodgson’s two games in charge, back-to-back 1-0 warm-up wins over Norway and Belgium.

He said: “I scored against Norway and set-up one against Belgium.

“Fingers crossed, if I am selected on Monday I will do that again.”

Young is even dreaming of emulating Paul Gascoigne’s famous Euro 96 goal against Scotland.

“For me to be able to talk about it non-stop is fantastic,” he said.

“Hopefully, in years to come, somebody will be saying that about me.”

“The squad is full of confidence. We have three tough games but, if we apply ourselves properly, I am sure we will do very well.”

England’s preparations have been overshadowed by controversy over the omission of Rio Ferdinand, with Ferdinand quoted as saying he fears his international career is over.

Young is confident the 33-year-old still has an England future.

He said: “Of course. He has said he is not going to retire. He is a fantastic player.”