Manchester United are charged by the FA for players’ reaction to Dunk tackle on Elanga

Manchester United have been charged by the FA after the players’ angrily surrounded the referee following Lewis Dunk’s challenge on Anthony Elanga in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Brighton.

United players swarmed referee Peter Bankes after the Brighton captain brought the 19-year-olf forward down on the edge of his box in the 53rd minute of the match after conceding possession cheaply. 

Dunk was initially shown a yellow card for his challenge, causing furious United stars including Bruno Fernandes – who was subsequently booked himself –  to vehemently protest the decision. 

Lewis Dunk (right) fouled Anthony Elanga (left) on the edge of his box in United’s 2-0 win

United players swarmed Peter Bankes after Lewis Dunk was only shown a yellow card

An FA statement read: ‘Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following its Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion FC on Tuesday [15/2/22].

‘It is alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 53rd minute, and the club has until Monday [21/2/22] to provide a response.’ 

However, centre-back Dunk was then shown a red card after the referee upgraded his decision after being advised by VAR official Jarred Gillett to consult the pitchside monitor.

But Brighton boss Potter hit out ay the decision, claiming it was not a ‘clear goalscoring opportunity’. 

United players were left furious by the initial decision for the incident in the 53rd minute

Bruno Fernandes (centre) was himself cautioned by the referee for protesting the decision

Bankes then upgraded his decision to red after being advised to consult the VAR monitor

‘That is what I saw,’ he said. ‘It was a yellow card live, Webster was there on the cover. It’s not clear and obvious that he wouldn’t get there. I don’t understand the intervention.

‘I’d like to see some stats because as soon as the referee goes to the monitor it is only going to go one way, and that’s how it is.’

Asked about the actions of United’s players, he added: ‘I think you’re asking the question so you are answering it.

‘I don’t blame them. I’m not being critical, it is what it is. You expect that reaction – they have got to do their bit for their team.

Brighton boss Graham Potter (left) hit out ay the decision, claiming it was not a ‘clear goalscoring opportunity’

‘Then you need the referee and VAR to make calls independent of external pressure which isn’t easy.’ 

Dunk’s dismissal came just three minutes after Cristiano Ronaldo had given Man United the lead at Old Trafford.

Fernandes then added a second on the break in the seventh minute of stoppage time as United leapfrogged West Ham and into the Premier League top four.