London - David Moyes insists starlet Adnan Januzaj must be protected after Sascha Riether became the first player to be punished for an incident missed by referees.
The Manchester United forward was stamped on by Fulham defender Riether during United’s 3-1 win at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Referee Lee Probert and his assistants missed it, but replays showed the incident and the full back was on Monday charged with violent conduct by the FA - the first player to be charged retrospectively.
Januzaj’s manager Moyes, speaking in Spain ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Real Sociedad, suggested the 18-year-old needs to be looked after.
But Moyes has backed the teenager to follow the example of Lionel Messi in learning to cope with the rough stuff. Moyes said: ‘He is going to need some protection. He’s getting kicked up and down. He deserves a little bit more than he is getting.
‘He needs to follow the example of Lionel Messi who is the best in the world at getting kicked and getting up and producing magic.
‘I am not comparing him to Lionel Messi, but the way Messi gets up is a good example.
‘We won’t ask for protection. We are not saying that. It’s up to the referees to do it right.
‘But if he is going to play in the fashion we want then he is going to have to have some.’
Fulham have until 6pm on Tuesday night to respond to the charge. United defender Rafael damaged ankle ligaments at Craven Cottage and is a doubt for United’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday. He did not travel to Spain.
Meanwhile, the FA have decided they will not charge Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado after his apparent elbow in the midriff of Everton defender Phil Jagielka’s on Sunday.
Daily Mail