The FA has asked Sir Alex Ferguson for his observations after the Manchester United boss criticised assistant referee Simon Beck following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The Scot described the linesman’s performance as “shocking” and slammed Beck’s failure to award a penalty to Wayne Rooney after seeing his side concede a 90th-minute equaliser.

Tottenham’s late goal from Clint Dempsey meant United’s lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to five points, following Manchester City’s victory over Fulham.

The 71-year-old also claimed that Beck had failed to spot that a Didier Drogba winner at Old Trafford back in 2010 was offside – a result which effectively handed the title to Chelsea that season.

Ferguson now has until 18:00GMT on Thursday to respond to the request and could face sanctions including a touchline ban or fine.

The Red Devils boss was recently criticised for berating referee Mike Dean at half-time during his side’s 4-3 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

However, on that occasion, no action was taken by the FA.