Jose Mourinho could avoid a touchline ban for Manchester United's trip to Chelsea on Saturday, despite facing an FA charge.
The former Chelsea boss has until 6pm on Friday to respond to the charge for allegedly using abusive language after United's 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the international break.
Should Mourinho respond to the charge close to Friday's deadline, any sanction would not be imposed due to the normal procedure time of an independent commission hearing.
If he responds with enough time for a hearing, he could miss United's trip to Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
Unlike player disciplinary matters there is not a pre-determined punishment for cases of this kind, meaning any sanction would need to be decided after a hearing.
If Mourinho is found guilty he faces anything from a warning, a fine, or a touchline ban, which would most likely come into effect for United's game against Everton.