Manchester United manager David Moyes has backed young starlet Adnan Januzaj and is adamant that referee Howard Webb’s decision to book the 18 year old for diving in the defeat to Tottenham was a mistake.

The Red Devil’s boss has never been one to shy away from the issue of diving by players, but in this instance the Scotsman remains convinced referee Howard Webb made the wrong call.

"I am always the first one to come out and say I won't have players diving and I will deal with it," said Moyes, ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Swansea.

"In the same breath, I am going to protect them when I think it is wrong. I thought it was wrong the other night."

Former Tottenham Hotspurs winger Gareth Bale and former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo both had the same reputation when they started their careers but have escaped the negative publicity because of their immense talent, and Moyes believes Januzaj will follow the same path,

"Adnan is such a talented footballer," said Moyes.

"I have no doubt he will go on to be one of the best players to be playing in this country for a long time, and probably even at Manchester United.”

"I remember when (Cristiano) Ronaldo came over, a lot of people said the same thing about him,” the former Everton boss added.

"Not for a minute would I even try and compare him to Ronaldo because of how good he is. But the boy is only 18. He will get better. He will learn. He will understand the game more."

"What he is doing at the moment is making a contribution in games as a footballer."