Fergie backs down over 'deal' row

Alex Ferguson has managed to dodge a headlong collision with the Football Association over his allegations they ’did a deal’ with Arsenal over the Battle of Old Trafford.

Ferguson was annoyed at the combined nine-match ban handed down to Martin Keown, Lauren and Ray Parlour for their physical assault of Ruud van Nistelrooy after the September 21 clash, which finished 0-0 after the Dutchman missed an injury-time penalty.