Referee Rob Styles missed the incident but video footage of it left United boss Alex Ferguson in no doubt that Ball had deliberately attempted to hurt his star winger.

Ronaldo, who was left with stud-marks on his chest, had the last laugh, drawing a foul from Ball which won United a match-winning penalty that he converted himself.

Another player in hot water with the Football Association is Fulham midfielder Michael Brown, who was also hit with a violent conduct charge on Tuesday.

Brown appeared to head-butt Liverpool's Xabi Alonso during Saturday's Premiership match at Craven Cottage, the Spanish midfielder being left with a bloody nose.

Referee Steve Bennett and the other officials all missed the incident. Fulham won the match 1-0 with a 69th-minute goal from substitute Clint Dempsey.