Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, seen here, insisted that the Gunners' Thierry Henry was the best striker in the world and more of an all-round player than Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy. [Agencies - File Photo]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following comments he made after the Gunners' defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

United's 2-0 win last weekend ended champions Arsenal's English top flight record of 49 league games but also sparked a host of disciplinary issues.

Wenger was highly critical of referee Mike Riley, whose penalty award to United after Wayne Rooney went down under a minimal challenge from Sol Campbell saw Ruud van Nistelrooy score from the spot in the 73rd minute.

Wenger also made scathing comments about United striker van Nistelrooy who himself was banned for three games for an ugly tackle on Ashley Cole.

The Frenchman's comments and an incident in the tunnel which led to United manager Alex Ferguson being hit with food thrown by an Arsenal player were subjects of FA investigations.

No further disciplinary action is expected following the FA's investigation of the alleged tunnel incident, although both clubs have been invited to attend a peace meeting.

The FA are determined to clear the air following the controversial Old Trafford clash on October 24, which itself followed the ugly melee in the same fixture last season.  

(Agencies)

disciplinary: of, relating to, or used for discipline（纪律性的）

scathing: bitterly denunciatory; harshly critical（严厉的）

melee: a violent free-for-all（混战, 搏斗）