Ferguson displeased by F.A. fines
MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed disappointment after two of his players were fined by the Football Association over their involvement in a fracas with Arsenal players earlier in the season.
Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were fined $12,930 and $7,000 respectively after being found guilty of improper conduct. They were also warned about their future behavior.
"We're disappointed," Ferguson told a news conference on Tuesday.
"I'll have to speak to the players and (director) Maurice Watkins before making any further comment."
Four Arsenal players -- Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Ray Parlour and Lauren -- also received suspensions totalling nine games after the brawl with flared up when Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a late penalty in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in September.
Meanwhile Manchester United captain Roy Keane has called on Ferguson to recruit a new striker when the mis-season transfer window opens in January.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Diego Forlan failed to score in Saturday's defeat at title rivals Chelsea, while injuries to Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have reduced United's attacking options.
"The biggest disappointment is we didn't score at Chelsea and I feel maybe the manager needs to buy a striker in the New Year," Keane told the Sun newspaper.
