Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has accepted a charge of improper conduct following his comments on the fitness of referee Alan Wiley. Ferguson, who criticised Wiley following his team’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3, has requested a personal hearing.

The date for that has yet to be decided.

The United boss, 67, has faced calls for him to be given a lengthy touchline ban by the referees’ union Prospect as a consequence of the comments.

Ferguson landed himself in more hot water this weekend when he claimed his side did not get a fair crack of the whip from referee Andre Marriner at Anfield.

Nemanja Vidic was sent off for two yellow cards and Ferguson questioned a number of the official’s decisions as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.

While Ferguson thought Liverpool deserved to win, he claimed that Marriner was swayed by the home crowd.

Ferguson said: “It is very difficult atmosphere here. There was a wounded animal aspect to the game and it was something we did not overcome.

“I think it affected our players and it affected the referee. There were so many controversial things that happened we have to feel aggrieved at some of them.”