Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested Swansea City captain Ashley Williams "could have killed" Robin van Persie during their Premier League draw with Manchester United.
Van Persie was infuriated in the second-half when Williams blasted the ball at his head from two yards as he lay on the ground after he had been fouled. Referee Michael Oliver booked the Swans captain and Van Persie for his reaction.
However Ferguson's extraordinary remark - after his side's off-colour display - was a familiar tactic pulled.
"The Van Persie situation you can clearly see that he could have been killed," Ferguson said on Sky Sports News.
"The FA has got to look into it regardless that he has been given a yellow card. He should be banned for a long time because that was the most dangerous thing I've seen on a football field for many years.
"It was absolutely deliberate. The whistle has gone, the game has stopped and he has done that right in front of the referee, he could have killed the lad.
"It was a disgraceful act by the player, he should be banned for a long time."
He added to BBC Sport: "Robin van Persie is lucky to be alive. It was a disgraceful act from their player.
"He should be banned by the FA. Robin could have had a broken neck."
Van Persie Williams
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(01 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (centre right) and Swansea City's Ashley Williams (centre left) have a confrontation (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(02 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (third right) and Swansea City's Ashley Williams (sixth left) during a confrontation on the pitch (credit:PA)
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Manchester United's Robin van Persie, left, speaks to referee Michael Oliver after appearing to have a ball kicked against his head by Swansea's Ashley Williams during their English Premier League soccer match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Sunday Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Swansea's Ashley Williams, left, is spoken to by referee Michael Oliver after appearing to try to kick a ball against the head of Manchester United's Robin van Persie during their English Premier League soccer match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Sunday Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(05 of44)
Match referee Michael Oliver (right) looks on as a melee on the pitch erupts during a confrontation between Swansea City's Ashley Williams (third left) and Manchester United's Robin van Persie (centre right) (credit:PA)
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Manchester United's Robin van Persie, third right, squares up to Swansea's Ashley Williams, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Sunday Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Manchester United's Robin van Persie, centre right, squares up to Swansea's Ashley Williams, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Sunday Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(08 of44)
A melee on pitch as Manchester United's Robin van Persie (third right) appeals to match referee Michael Oliver (second right) after a confrontation with Swansea City's Ashley Williams (right) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(09 of44)
A melee on pitch as Manchester United's Robin van Persie (right) appeals to match referee Michael Oliver (right) after a confrontation with Swansea City's Ashley Williams (left) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(10 of44)
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (centre) intervenes during a confrontation between his team-mate Robin van Persie (right) and Swansea City's Ashley Williams (left) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(11 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (centre) trips over Swansea City's Chico (left) during a confrontation with Swansea City's Ashley Williams (6) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(12 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (centre) trips over Swansea City's Chico (left) during a confrontation with Swansea City's Ashley Williams (6) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(13 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (centre) trips over Swansea City's Chico (left) during a confrontation with Swansea City's Ashley Williams (6) (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Manchester United - Liberty Stadium(14 of44)
Swansea City's Ashley Williams (left) and Manchester United's Robin van Persie (right) speak with match referee Michael Oliver (centre) (credit:PA)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(15 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(16 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United squares up to Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(17 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (2-R) and Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) clash during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(18 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(19 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (L) is booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(20 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United squares up to Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(21 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(22 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams is booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(23 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (C) is lead a way by teammates after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(24 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(25 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(26 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (L) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(27 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (2-R) reacts after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(28 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(29 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (4-R) reacts after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(30 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (2-R) and Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) clash during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(31 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(32 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(33 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United squares up to Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(34 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams is booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(35 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United is pulled away from Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Swansea City v Manchester United - Premier League(36 of44)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 23: Robin Van Persie of Manchester United squares up to Ashley Williams of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(37 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (C) is lead a way by teammates after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(38 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (4-R) reacts after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(39 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (2-R) reacts after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(40 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(41 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(42 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (L) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(43 of44)
Swansea's Ashley Williams (L) is booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Manchester United's Robin van Persie during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-SWANSEA -MAN UTD(44 of44)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver after clashing with Swansea's Ashley Williams during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on December 23, 2012. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Paul ELLIS - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
When United earned a fortuitous draw at home to Sunderland in 2009 after Ferguson had unnecessarily tinkered with the starting lineup he deflected blame on to referee Alan Wiley, questioning his fitness.
However his latest accusation is one of the Scot's more bizarre. Ferguson has been present to see Eric Cantona's kung fu kick, Dave Busst's horrific injury at Old Trafford in 1996 and Roy Keane's revenge on Alf Inge Haaland, amongst others.
Williams unsurprisingly said the incident was an accident.
"It's his opinion, he's entitled to it. I understand why Van Persie was angry. I've kicked the ball away in frustration, but I wasn't trying to hit him in the head.
"I tried to say sorry, but he wasn't having it. I haven't spoken to him since the game and I didn't shake hands afterwards - but only because I didn't see him. As far as I'm concerned it's no big deal.
"If I had tried to hit him on the head deliberately, I would have missed!
"It's not like I'm going to shoot and hit him square in the head like that."