Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of giving preferential treatment to Arsenal after William Gallas escaped disciplinary action for his clash with Nani during the teams’ FA Cup fifth-round tie at the weekend. The Manchester United manager is angry that Gallas did not receive a retrospective red card after the Arsenal defender appeared to kick Nani, the Portugal winger, from behind during United’s 4-0 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

After studying video footage of the incident, the FA said that it was “not satisfied” that Gallas had been guilty of violent conduct, a decision that did not surprise Ferguson. “I haven’t got anything to say about Gallas really because we kind of expected that [no action would be taken],” he said as his side prepared for the first leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie away to Lyons this evening. “But I will say that’s because there’s one law for them [Arsenal] and another for everyone else, you know? Or a different rule.”

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, expressed his relief yesterday that Gallas had escaped the possibility of a three-match ban before adding, with a slight chuckle, that the decision was the correct one, but Ferguson believes that his opponents were lucky to have only Emmanuel Eboué, the defender, sent off on Saturday.

“There could have been three or four red cards for Arsenal,” Ferguson said. “I didn’t realise that until I saw the video. Justin Hoyte had a kick at Nani off the ball and their young left back, [Armand] Traoré, made a terrible tackle on Nani as well.”

Although Ferguson sympathised with Alan Wiley, the referee, he claimed that other teams who had suffered as a result of retrospective punishment would be equally aggrieved that Gallas had escaped censure. “I think a lot of clubs would be disappointed because they have had players who have suffered from a retrospective view of incidents,” he said. “I thought it was difficult for the referee. He had a hard game in the second half, there were so many things happening.”

Ferguson believes that the result underlined the strength of his squad, a factor that he feels could make the difference in his pursuit of an elusive second Champions League title after United’s 1999 triumph. “We’ve got a stronger squad this time, more complete,” he said. “The secret is to keep them all fit. If we can, it gives us a fantastic chance of success.”

Ryan Giggs, who did not play against Arsenal, is expected tonight to become only the eighth player to make 100 Champions League appearances. “His experience is going to be vital for us,” Ferguson said. “Resting him was the right thing to do.”