Paul Scholes has been charged with violent behaviour after a clash with Middlesbrough's Doriva this month.
England man Scholes and the Brazilian both appeared to raise hands during Boro's 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
Referee Paul Durkin did not see the incident so neither player was punished at the time.
After studying video evidence the FA has charged Scholes but not Doriva, with the Englishman given until 5 March to respond.
The prospect of a ban for Scholes comes at a bad time for United, with Gary Neville facing a ban for headbutting Steve McMananam in the FA Cup tie.
United are also without Rio Ferdinand as he is serving an eight-month ban for
failing to attend a drugs test.
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The incident was there for all to see and no one can have any complaints