Manchester United: Nistlerooy to be charged by FA

Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to become the first victim of the 'Battle of Old Trafford II' but probably not the last after the Football Association launched an investigation into the 'soupgate scandal'.

Under the FA's speeded up disciplinary process, the prolific Dutch striker has until Tuesday evening to notify Soho Square whether he intends to contest the charge of serious foul play levelled against him following his woeful challenge on Ashley Cole during the first half of Manchester United's 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Either way, van Nistelrooy will then face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday when, unless he can prove his innocence, he will be hit by a three-match ban, ruling him out of Saturday's Premiership encounter with Portsmouth, the following weekend's Manchester derby and either a fourth round Carling Cup tie or the November 14 trip to Newcastle depending on whether United win Tuesday's cup clash at Crewe.

Sportinglife

Ruud van Nistelrooy has apologised to Arsenal's Ashley Cole for his Old Trafford horror tackle on Sunday, after confirming he will not contest a Football Association charge of serious foul play.

Manchester United have notified Soho Square that van Nistelrooy has admitted guilt over the incident, which occurred during the first half of United's 2-0 victory and caused the `cheat' jibe from Arsene Wenger thought to have sparked the `soupgate' tunnel bust-up.

The incident will still be reviewed by a three-man FA panel on Thursday, but their verdict now appears academic as United have publicly stated they expect the striker to serve a three-match suspension.