Sir Alex Charged

Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association, following his remarks about referee Alan Wiley.

The FA confirmed the decision late on Monday morning but no punishment has yet been set for the offence, as the disciplinary process will now allow the United manager to respond to the charge. He has until Tuesday 3 November - the day of the Reds' home match against CSKA Moscow - to do this.

A brief statement on the FA's official website reads as follows:

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.

"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October.

"Ferguson has until 3 November to respond to the charge."