Ashley Young has officially been banned for three matches after accepting the Football Association's charge of violent conduct against Southampton's Dusan Tadic.

The incident in question came in Saturday's disappointing 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, with TV footage documenting Young planting his elbow into Tadic's stomach. The episode was picked up retrospectively with referee Craig Pawson oblivious.

Young later argued that a three game ban was an excessive punishment, but his protest was rejected.

All in all, it added more negativity onto another bitterly disappointing afternoon for Manchester United. Three consecutive draws has transformed a tangible title challenge into a frantic race for the top four.

The Red Devils lie no less than 15 points behind neighbours Manchester City and have been freshly usurped by champions Chelsea.

Furthermore, Young's violent conduct charge sees United robbed of one of their best performers this season ahead of the tricky excursion to Everton who have been enjoying fine form under Sam Allardyce. 

The Englishman had been reduced to nominal first-team appearances since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement but has enjoyed something of a renaissance this season.

The elbow incident appears a mere blot on Young's otherwise immaculate copybook in 2017-18, yet Tadic's comments since the game don't exactly cover the United man in glory.

Speaking after the clash, Tadic gave an insight into the moment ridding Young of a swift start to Premier League football in 2018.

“Yes, he elbowed me and I asked him ‘why did you do this?,’” the Southampton man revealed. “I didn’t really understand. I can fall down, but it was really strange because I didn’t expect that from him.

“Normally you cannot see that. I’m disappointed about that because you don’t expect that from him, because he’s an experienced player and he cannot do that I think.

“I was surprised, and then next corner I asked him ‘why did you do that?’ and he said ‘I didn’t do anything.’

“I said ‘You didn’t do anything? You elbowed me in the stomach without reason'.

“Okay, if you want to push it’s different, but an elbow is different.”

It's fair to say Young won't be able to deny the elbow when he's presented with the footage, that's for sure.

Looking at the degree of the impact, it's hard to see Tadic falling for the comment at the time and justice has been served for the Saints midfielder. 

Do you think a three game ban is fair for Young? Have your say in the comments section below.