REDS STAND UNITED

The conflict between Manchester United and the Football Association escalated last night as the Barclaycard Premiership champions supported Sir Alex Ferguson in his allegation of pleabargaining in the recent Arsenal disciplinary case.

The FA had given Ferguson and United until the close of business yesterday to explain the manager’s comments about the findings of Arsenal’s disciplinary hearings, but when a response arrived at Soho Square, it consisted of an affirmation of the manager’s remarks and the implication that his views were representative of those of the club.

Ferguson is likely to be charged with misconduct, for the second time in a little more than two months, if the FA feels that he has questioned the integrity of its disciplinary process.

The United manager, though, is unrepentant in his belief that Arsenal arranged a “deal” with the FA, whereby certain charges relating to the so-called “Battle of Old Trafford” on September 21 would be dropped if they agreed to plead guilty to others.

The allegation has been denied by Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, and the FA, who wrote to Ferguson last week to demand an explanation for his comments and to United to ask if they shared his views.

From the Mirror:

"Sir Alex feels a deal was done because charges were dropped and he stands by that claim," said a United insider. "No one has heard of charges being dropped in return for guilty pleas and that is what he believes happened in Arsenal's case."