Arsenal are carefully considering their next move after being hit by 12 FA charges following the ugly scenes that marred their goalless draw at Old Trafford last weekend.
The Gunners, who have 14 days to respond, must decide how to handle the charges, which could result in a four-day hearing in the next month or so, albeit with the FA facing a logistical nightmare as to when they can organise it.
The key decision to be taken will be whether to admit any, or all, of the charges and to seek a smaller punishment or to try to fight to clear the names of any players.
Arsenal are accused of failing to control their players, which could net them a large fine, while Arsene Wenger could also be in the FA dock for apparently calling Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat after the game.
The Gunners boss must explain his post-match comments, in which he declared that van Nistelrooy "is always provoking and diving", and that "he doesn't always show fair behaviour".
However, even more worse for the club's title prospects, six of their players have been charged with misconduct and, if they are all found guilty, their total suspensions could surpass 20 matches.
Manchester United are understood to be unhappy at two of their players also being charged by the FA and are consulting their lawyers ahead of the hearings, which could last up to four days.
But while Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo face relatively minor misconduct charges, Arsenal will have Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole, Lauren, Ray Parlour and Jens Lehmann in the FA dock.