Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney are reportedly being investigated by the Football Association (FA) for their behaviour during Manchester United’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
FA officials are studying footage of the Selhurst Park game when Ferguson clashed with referee Mark Clattenburg and fourth official Andy D’Urso, and Rooney was booked for foul and abusive language, the Daily Mail reported.
As United prepare for Tuesday night’s Champions League first knockout round second-leg tie at AC Milan, it emerged the FA will also scrutinise Rooney’s conduct after the final whistle, when he had to be restrained during a confrontation with Clattenburg.
There is a view within the game that Rooney needs to be disciplined for his persistent verbal attacks on referees.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, scorer of 36 Champions League goals in 38 appearances, is certain to start against Milan just two-and-a-half games back from an Achilles injury.
”All the goals I have scored are in the past,” he said. ”My career is all about what I produce now and the Milan game is definitely one of those occasions where scoring would represent my best goal.”
Van Nistelrooy, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, is the major reason why Ferguson rates this side better than the one containing David Beckham, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke that strode to the unprecedented treble success six years ago.
”It is hard to look at those — Ruud, Cristiano and Wayne — and compare them with anyone,” said Ferguson. ”That is what sways it for me.”
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to play the same 4-3-2-1 formation he used at Old Trafford, with Jaap Stam likely to partner Alessandro Nesta in central defence and captain Paolo Maldini moving to left-back.
Andriy Shevchenko misses out again through injury, so Kaka and Rui Costa are likely to support Hernan Crespo in attack.
Despite leading the tie 1-0, Ancelotti has warned his side against complacency.
”We cannot think of the first-leg result,” he said. ”We have to go out with the belief we can repeat our display at Old Trafford.” — Sapa-AFP