In an outburst that said as much about Ferguson’s disappointment at seeing United’s lead over Manchester City eroded to four points as it did about the danger posed to Van Persie, the Scot said Williams should be banned by the Football Association (FA) for his part in the incident, the Telegraph reports.

The flashpoint came in the 75th minute of an open and eventful game in which Michu’s 13th league goal of the season cancelled out Patrice Evra’s opener for the visitors, it added. Van Persie was brought down on the edge of the Swansea box by Nathan Dyer as United pressed for a winner, and as referee Michael Oliver whistled for the free-kick Williams’s lashed clearance hit the Dutchman’s head as he lay on the ground, it said. It drew a furious reaction from Van Persie, who lunged at Williams, grabbing his shirt before being dragged away by teammates and both players were booked, the paper added.