United players could face FA probe

The Football Association are ready to investigate claims that Manchester United players verbally abused Everton fans after Ruud van Nistelrooy's winner at Goodison Park.

Van Nistelrooy's last-minute header secured a 4-3 win in a highly-charged contest that had seen the hosts peg back United's three-goal half-time lead.

It is then alleged that Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Cristiano Ronaldo made offensive gestures and swore at sections of the home support as they celebrated the winning goal.

Scores of fans stayed on after the final whistle to file statements to the police.

And an FA spokesman said: "Nothing has as yet been brought to our attention although, if it is, then we would of course look into it."

Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: "Everton fans have complained to the club about the behaviour of the United players as they celebrated the winner and the police are aware of this."

In a separate incident, an Everton supporter attempted to attack Ronaldo after he was brought down close to the far touchline shortly before he set up the visitors winner.