Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged by the English FA over post-match comments he made about the performance of assistant referee Simon Beck at Spurs earlier this month.

The Manchester United boss submitted observations about the case and now the FA have decided there is sufficient evidence to call Ferguson to account.

He has until 4pm on Friday to respond. The Scot spoke out following the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane, when United conceded an injury-time equaliser after a Wayne Rooney's penalty claim was rejected by referee Chris Foy.

United are at home against Southampton tonight and a victory would move them seven points clear of Manchester City after the draw 0-0 at QPR.