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Moyes upset with refereeing decisions

Manchester United manager David Moyes has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

It is in relation to comments made after Tuesday's 2-1 League Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Sunderland when Moyes, 50, said United are "beginning to laugh at referees" for their "terrible" decisions.

He added that they are "playing referees as well as the opposition".

Moyes has until 18:00 GMT on Wednesday, 15 January to respond to the charge.

quote We are going through a difficult time - it's part of football management, it's never going to be an easy ride

"It is alleged the comments called into question the integrity of the match officials... and/or implied that such match officials are motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of Rule E3(1)," said a statement.

The first-leg defeat was United's third loss in a week - the first time that has happened since 1992.

The Premier League champions were beaten 2-1 at home by Tottenham at the start of 2014 and followed that up with elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea, a game which was also played at Old Trafford.

The former Everton manager was also irked by a decision during the Spurs defeat, stating it was "scandalous" United were not awarded a late penalty.

Moyes, who succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at United at the end of last season, said he had the pedigree to guide the club through "difficult" times.

"I have done it before, I'm experienced and I just sense that it's just on the verge of turning," he added.

"If you are going to be in this job, then that's what happens. You have got to win and in the last few games, I have not won.

"We are going through a difficult time. It's part of football management, it's never going to be an easy ride."

Moyes has also rejected suggestions the presence of Ferguson at matches is a hindrance to him.

He said: "It tells you that people don't know me and don't know Sir Alex. People are saying it because they have no idea about how it works.

"Sir Alex has been fantastic. He has been incredibly supportive and is only there to help me."

Earlier this week, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was fined £8,000 over comments he made about referee Lee Mason after the defeat at Manchester City.