United players' behaviour under investigation

EVERTON officials will study CCTV footage before deciding whether to make a formal complaint to the Football Association over the behaviour of some Manchester United players during Saturday's Premiership spectacular at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have received in excess of 40 statements from individual fans alleging members of the United squad used foul language and abusive gestures towards sections of the crowd following Ruud van Nistelrooy's late winner. TV replays have proved inconclusive, although the club's internal video system has yet to be reviewed.

Should Everton believe they have enough evidence to warrant action, they will pass it onto Merseyside police, who in turn will refer the matter to the Football Association.

"The most surprising thing is that complaints have been received from a number of sections of the ground," said Everton spokesman Ian Ross.

United have refused to comment until any evidence is produced, while the FA have yet to receive anything in writing from the Merseyside club.

Relations between the two clubs have been fraught since last May when Everton objected to the Red Devils holding their Premiership title trophy celebrations at Goodison Park on the final day of the season. Eventually, the Toffeemen relented and the presentation passed off without incident.

Everton could also find themselves in the dock, after a fan attempted to get on the pitch to attack Cristiano Ronaldo shortly before the young Portuguese star crossed for van Nistelrooy's winner. Quick-thinking stewards prevented the supporter getting close to the target of his ire, but the FA may want to review that incident in addition to any involving United.

Former Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon has called for a quick conclusion to the propaganda war that is threatening to engulf the club. Major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus have demanded an independent investigation into United's transfer dealings.

However David Gill, who replaced Kenyon when he moved to a similar role at Chelsea, has only promised an internal review.

Magnier is also in dispute with manager Sir Alex Ferguson over the stud rights to record-breaking stallion Rock of Gibraltar.

Kenyon has looked on at the unfolding saga between the racing tycoons and United's hierarchy with dismay.

"Hopefully (the matter will be resolved) quickly because that's what ultimately needs to happen," he said yesterday. "There is a degree of sadness as it has taken the eye away from what Manchester United are all about great football and good business."

United fans sang anti-Magnier songs at Goodison Park although a widely-expected protest Sandown Park, where the Irish pair had horses running, failed to materialise.