United duo asked to explain criticism

The Football Association have contacted Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and assistant Carlos Queiroz to ask them to explain their comments following the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Portsmouth.

An irate Ferguson claimed referee Martin Atkinson’s display was “unacceptable” and also accused referees’ chief Keith Hackett of “not doing his job properly” in the wake of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Ferguson and Queiroz, who also criticised Atkinson, were unhappy United were not given a first-half penalty for a challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both parties have until Wednesday, March 19 to respond.