Vidic injury blow as Ferguson faces FA rap

It came on a bad news day for United when the FA announced they had charged Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz with improper conduct for comments about referee Martin Atkinson.

Vidic had tests on his injured knee at a Manchester hospital yesterday but it is understood that the Serbian's leg was so badly swollen it was difficult to assess the extent of the damage caused when he fell awkwardly during United's 2-0 win at the Olympic Stadium.

Vidic, 26, needs a more detailed examination this morning with United's medical staff resigned to the fact that he has suffered ligament damage.

The centre half looks to be out for a couple of weeks at least and perhaps will not play again this term.

It would be a big blow to United's chances of winning the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League and would bring back painful memories of last season when a sudden rush of injuries left Ferguson's side unable to get past the last four in Europe.

A United source said last night: 'Nemanja came in this morning but could hardly walk. His knee is swollen and he did not look very happy after his first scan.'

Ferguson and Queiroz have until April 17 to respond after the FA charged them with improper conduct for comments they made about Atkinson after last month's FA Cup loss to Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Ferguson was highly critical of Atkinson and referees' boss Keith Hackett after United lost 1-0, and Queiroz described the official as a 'robber'.

But their comments drew a curt response from Sunderland boss Roy Keane, United's ex-captain, last weekend.

Both men face a fine rather than a touchline ban if found guilty.

SIR ALEX ON THE REF

'Managers get sacked because of things like that and he (Martin Atkinson) is going to referee a game next week.

'That performance (in the FA Cup tie between Portsmouth and United) should not be accepted by our game.'

SIR ALEX ON CHELSEA

'I think the haranguing of referees we have seen is absolutely ridiculous (after Mike Riley failed to send Ashley Cole off against Tottenham).

'We've been talking about respect for referees and it going down to grassroots level, and that's something I think is absolutely correct.'

KEANE ON HYPOCRITES

'There are a lot of hypocrites out there.

'The same bosses who are talking about players showing respect have been sent off themselves for abusing officials.'