United bosses see red over FA charges after fracas

FURIOUS Manchester United will launch a vigorous defence of under-fire duo Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.

United bosses see red over FA charges after fracas

The pair were both charged by the Football Association today for their part in Sunday's Old Trafford fracas which overshadowed the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

While some may argue United have been treated leniently compared to the Gunners, who have six players facing a possible total 21-match ban, club officials do not believe any of their players has a case to answer.

They have already notified their intention to take legal advice and will also involve manager Sir Alex Ferguson in discussions before determining what action to take next.

Like the Arsenal players, Giggs and Ronaldo have 14 days in which to respond to the charges, which both allege improper conduct, in Giggs' case for 'a confrontation with Lauren after the final whistle', in Ronaldo's for 'confronting Martin Keown at the conclusion of the match'.

In addition, England international Phil Neville has been warned about his future conduct.

"We have received the details of the charges from the FA and we are currently reviewing them internally with out lawyers, the manager and the players involved," said a United statement.

"Until that review is completed, the club will be making no further comment."

United also confirmed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing three months on the sidelines after having surgery to correct articular cartilage damage in his right knee.

The Norwegian struggled with the injury throughout pre-season and, following the pattern of last season, Ferguson decided to send him for surgery in the hope he would be back in action for the second half of the campaign.

"We've adopted the same policy as last season, where anything that needs to be done this early we get it done," Ferguson said.

"It is a blow for us and now the transfer window has closed, there is nothing I can do about it.

"But I do feel we have a good enough squad to cope."

Ferguson is already without Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson, who dislocated his shoulder at Newcastle last month, while Paul Scholes is taking tentative steps towards his comeback with a return to training this week.

How the England star comes through his exertions will determine whether he makes the Champions League trip to Stuttgart next week.

If there is no reaction, Scholes will fly to Germany as United look to build on their encouraging 5-0 win over Panathinaikos.

The alternative is a third operation on the problem area, which would rule the 29-year-old out for two months, a period including England's vital Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey in Istanbul.

"He has done some training this week but if he feels it again we are going to have to make a decision," said Ferguson.

"There would be no point in him carrying on, but if he comes through, then we'll get him into the team right away.

"We have Stuttgart coming along and it would be a great time for him to come back."

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