Manchester United’s Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been charged with serious foul play by the Football Association for a tackle on Arsenal’s Ashley Cole in Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also been asked to explain his post-match comments about Van Nistelrooy and referee Mike Riley.

Van Nistelrooy has been given until Tuesday to “deny or admit” the charge which will be heard on Thursday.

The FA is also investigating an alleged post-match tunnel incident in which an unnamed Arsenal player is alleged to have thrown food at United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.