Van Nistelrooy first in the dock

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to become the first victim of the ‘Battle of Old Trafford II’ but probably not the last after the FA launched an investigation into Sunday’s ‘soupgate scandal’.

Under the FA’s speeded up disciplinary process, the prolific Dutch striker has until this evening to notify Soho Square whether he intends to contest the charge of serious foul play levelled against him following his woeful challenge on Ashley Cole during the first half of Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Either way, van Nistelrooy will then face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday when, unless he can prove his innocence, he will receive a three-match ban, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premiership encounter with Portsmouth, the following weekend’s Manchester derby and either a fourth round Carling Cup tie or the November 14 trip to Newcastle, depending on whether United win tomorrow’s cup clash at Crewe.