Ferguson told to explain himself

The Football Association has asked Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to explain his comments about linesman Simon Beck after the weekend’s Tottenham match.

Ferguson branded Beck's performance "shocking" after he failed to flag for what the Scot thought was a "clear penalty" for the visitors. Wayne Rooney had gone down in the box after a challenge by Steven Caulker in Sunday’s 1–1 draw.

The United boss said his club had "history" with Beck following his failure to rule out an offside Didier Drogba goal in 2010 and also claimed yesterday that: "There was no way we were going to get a decision (from Beck)."

Should the FA rule that Ferguson's comments amount to questioning Beck's integrity, Ferguson could be charged with misconduct - and could get a touchline ban or fine.