Januzaj is No 2 in list of Premier League's all-time divers after just 14 games... and Man United have been caught twice as often as any other club this season

Caution: Adnan Januzaj was booked for diving by referee Howard Webb during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham

Going down: Januzaj hits the ground after making contact with Spurs defender Danny Rose during the second half

In control: Januzaj, pictured here taking on Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, could not inspire his side to a comeback against Tim Sherwood's side

Diving has always been a bookable offence under the FA's unsporting behaviour law, but in 2008 mandatory yellow cards were introduced for simulation in a bid to combat an increasingly common problem within the English game.

Bale, who swapped England for Spain in a world record move to Real Madrid last summer, developed a reputation for diving at Tottenham by picking up a total of seven yellow cards during his time at the north London club.

But Januzaj's three bookings, which have come in only 14 league outings - eight of them starts - make him arguably the Premier League's worst offender.

The 18-year-old, who is enjoying his debut season in United's first team, was booked for simulation in wins against Sunderland and West Ham before Wednesday's incident at Old Trafford.

The youngster is now level with Chelsea's Fernando Torres in the all-time table, with a number of players sitting on two bookings, including Young, Liverpool's Luis Suarez, West Ham front-man Andy Carroll, United forward Javier Hernandez and former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

No contact: Januzaj saw yellow after going down near West Ham's James Collins during Manchester United's 3-1 win against West Ham in December

Mixed afternoon: Januzaj scored twice but was booked by referee Chris Foy for a dive against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light

Januzaj's bookings have ensured David Moyes' side top the bookings simulation table for this season with a total of four, with Young having been shown yellow for attempting to win a penalty against Crystal Palace back in September.

Chelsea and Everton sit joint second on two bookings for the campaign after Brazilian midfielder Oscar was given a yellow card for diving in the Blues' 3-0 win at Southampton on New Year's Day, while England World Cup hopeful Ross Barkley was found guilty of going to ground too easily in the Toffees' 3-3 draw with local rivals Liverpool in November.

Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull, Sunderland and Tottenham have all had one player booked for simulation this season but Arsenal, Aston Villa, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Stoke, Swansea, West Brom and West Ham are yet to pick up a yellow for diving during the current campaign.

Theatrical: Jose Mourinho believes Luis Suarez should have been booked for going down too easily against Chelsea last weekend

Guilty: Everton midfielder Ross Barkey (left) was booked for a dive against rivals Liverpool earlier this season, while the table on the right shows Manchester United top the simulation bookings table so far this season

Airbourne: Chelsea midfielder Oscar was booked for trying to win a penalty against Southampton

Despite picking up just a single booking for diving since mid-August, Spurs still find themselves top of the simulation bookings table since records began back in 2008.

The north London club have received 13 yellow cards for diving - seven of which were handed to Bale - to leave them above Chelsea and Manchester United, who both sit on 12.

Both Blackpool and Burnley went through their one-and-only Premier League seasons without a booking for simulation, leaving them as the only two clubs since 2008 to have not been found guilty of the offence.

Familiar sight: Former Tottenham winger Gareth Bale (left) received seven bookings for simulation during his time in north London, helping Spurs top the Premier League simulation booking table since August 2008