MANCHESTER United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, is facing a five-match ban. The Mail on Sunday says Ferguson's joy at returning to the top of the Premier League will be deflated today by an FA charge that could lead to Manchester United's manager being banned from the touchline for five matches.

Ferguson was smiling on Saturday night as United, pursuing a fourth successive championship, beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at home to replace beaten Chelsea at the top of the table.

But the storm clouds are gathering, with key figures inside football determined that Sir Alex should not get away with his outburst against referee Alan Wiley, whom he branded as 'unfit' following United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland two weeks ago.

Such is the strength of feeling inside the Football Association that Ferguson faces a five-match ban, the heaviest punishment he has suffered in his 23 years at Old Trafford.