Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has never been shy about speaking his mind, but his recent comments about an official has prompted an inquiry by the Football Association.

The inquiry revolves around comments that Sir Alex made after the team’s 1-1 draw on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur.  Linesman Simon Beck missed what appeared to many to be a clear penalty when Spurs defender Steven Caulker challenged Wayne Rooney in the penalty area.

After the match, Ferguson was pointed with his words about Beck.  He said that “The stand-side linesman [Beck] didn’t give us a thing all day.  For me it was a poor performance by him. Why he never saw the penalty kick from Wayne Rooney and some other decisions … ”

“We remember him well from his time at the Chelsea game when Drogba was three yards offside and he gave onside.  He had a shocking game. I’m disappointed in his performance, I really am. He had a bad game and we never got anything on that side of the pitch.”

Ferguson’s comments certainly will do nothing to help his image, one of a man that is known to share his pointed opinions regarding matches, officials, and even players, With that said, the man is known to be a great mentor to players on his squad and a very charitable man. He has regularly participated in charity events related to the team and has even prompted his team to do so. One of those events was the recent Red Devil’s charity poker event won by defender Jonny Evans. The event drew headlines in recent weeks as several stars took part in a televised charity game that donated money to an Irish hospice.

Ferguson is looking at a potential touchline ban and maybe even a fine should the FA decide that he is questioning Beck’s integrity.  Sir Alex received such a ban in March 2011 after he questioned the integrity of Martin Atkinson in a March match against Chelsea.  He was fined £30,000 and received a touchline ban for five matches.

Rio Ferdinand is one player who has come out publicly to defend his coach, albeit he did so in a less aggressive tone.  In an interview with MUTV, Ferdinand stated that “It was 100 percent penalty.  I cannot believe he didn’t give it.  The linesman (Beck) didn’t really help us on the near touchline at all in the second half especially.”

The Red Devil’s manager has until Thursday at 6pm to answer the FA’s inquiry regarding the matter.  Should they not like his response, then expect disciplinary action to follow swiftly.