United hit by FA charge

MANCHESTER United have been charged by the Football Association for failing to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion during their Premier League defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

United’s players surrounded referee Craig Pawson midway through the opening period after Virgil Van Dijk challenged David De Gea.

Roberto Firmino subsequently scored, but his goal was chalked off following a VAR review of Van Dijk’s clash with the United goalkeeper.

United have until Thursday to respond to the charge. A statement from the FA read: “Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20(a).

“It is alleged that the club failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 26th minute of the Premier League fixture against Liverpool FC on Sunday (19/1/20).”

De Gea dropped the ball following Van Dijk’s challenge. United failed to clear their lines with Firmino appearing to double Liverpool’s advantage at Anfield.

A furious De Gea led United’s protests, rushing over to Pawson to vent his frustration. The Spaniard, who was booked for his actions, was joined by a number of his teammates in surrounding the referee.

A VAR review of the incident deemed De Gea had been fouled and Firmino’s goal was disallowed, but Liverpool still went on to win the game 2-0 and extend their lead over Manchester City to 16 points.

Meanwhile United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted Marcus Rashford’s back injury is a fresh problem. United striker Rashford is facing a lengthy lay-off after suffering a stress fracture in last week’s FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves.

Speaking at a press conference, Solskjaer said: “He’s not had that injury before, no.”

■ Last night’s Leasing.com Trophy quarter-final between Newport County and Leicester City Under-21s was called off 40 minutes prior to kick-off due to a frozen pitch.