United Fights Back Jose Mourinho’s FA charge

Manchester United are “vigorously contesting” a Football Association charge against manager Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils boss was allleged to have sworn – in Portuguese – into a TV camera following his side’s dramatic victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford on October 6.

The FA used a lip reader to investigate the remarks and subsequently charged him with using abusive, insulting or improper language.

Mourinho had been under intense pressure heading into the match, with reports he would be sacked regardless of the Premier League encounter against the Magpies.

Mourinho was given an extension until Wednesday to answer the FA charge and United have decided to challenge it. An independent commission will now decide whether the 55-year-old is guilty of the FA charge.

Should he be found to have breached the governing body’s rules, Mourinho could be hit be with a touchline ban.

Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni celebrated the goal emphatically in front of Mourinho and his actions prompted a reaction from the United boss as well as fellow staff members, with security having to intervene.

Mourinho avoided a charge from the FA for that game, but was “formally reminded of his responsibilities” as Ianni faces disciplinary action.

United lost 1-0 at home to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday and return to domestic duties against Everton on Sunday – live on Sky Sports Premier League – as the club sit 10th after nine top-flight matches.