UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Eduardo for "deceiving the referee" in Wednesday's 3-1 Champions League victory against Celtic.

The Croatian international faces a two-match ban if he is found guilty when the case is examined by UEFA's control and disciplinary body on September 1.

An angry Wenger has vowed to fight the charge, which he claims amounts to a witch-hunt, but admits the controversy is an unwanted distraction.

"I don't even want to speak about the timing of that charge before a big game like Man United. It's certainly not ideal," he said.

"I find the charge a complete disgrace and unacceptable.

"It singles out a player in Europe to be a cheat, and that is not acceptable. UEFA have taken action that is not defendable.

"We will defend our player as far as we can, because he is not being treated fairly."

Arsenal head to Old Trafford without captain Cesc Fabregas, who failed a fitness test on his hamstring injury yesterday.

They are still confident of dispatching United to preserve their 100% start to the season, although Wenger refuses to comment on whether the champions have lost ground over the summer.

"I don't speculate on any weakness of Man United - that would be a little bit naïve on my part," he said.

"But we know we go to Old Trafford with a good belief, and that is very important before a big game like that.

"We know as well that we want to show that we can win the big games away from home, and this is a good opportunity to do it."