Chelsea, Manchester United braced for swift reunion

LONDON (AFP) - Alex Ferguson has wished referee Lee Mason "good luck" in Wednesday's League Cup tie between Manchester United and Chelsea, just three days after their fiery Stamford Bridge clash ended in controversy.

The fall-out from United's thrilling victory on Sunday is set to continue beyond Wednesday's game, when the Premier League's top two will meet for the second time in a week.

Roberto Di Matteo's side have accused referee Mark Clattenburg of using "inappropriate language" towards their players during Chelsea's 3-2 defeat, prompting the Football Association to launch an investigation.

The Metropolitan Police are also looking at how a steward was injured as United celebrated Javier Hernandez's controversial 75th-minute winner. "Good luck to the referee," said Ferguson when asked if he had a message for Mason.