Ferguson faces conduct charge

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson yesterday requested a personal hearing with the Football Association after denying a charge of improper conduct.

Ferguson was charged by the FA earlier this month following comments he made after his side's victory against Newcastle at Old Trafford regarding United's lack of penalties.

The Scot suggested there was a 'sinister' reason behind the Red Devils' lack of spot-kicks since Wayne Rooney won a controversial penalty against Arsenal in October.

Ferguson was angered by referee Neale Barry's failure to award a penalty against the Magpies when Andy O'Brien appeared to haul Alan Smith to the ground during the first half of United's 2-1 win.

The Red Devils boss suggested the attitude towards his team has changed since Mike Riley's decision to award them a penalty when Rooney was tripped by Sol Campbell.

The decision was widely considered as harsh, and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored from the spot as United won 2-0.