Keown charged over Ruud spat
Keown was seen to push the Dutch international striker to the head, and although the incident was missed by match referee Dermot Gallagher, the FA requested a video tape of the match.
"The FA can confirm that Martin Keown has today been charged with improper conduct (breach of Rule E1) for an incident involving Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy in the match at Old Trafford on December 7," said a statement on the official FA website.
The 36-year-old England international now has 14 days to respond to the charge.
Keown immediately apologised to his manager Arsene Wenger after the game, and endeavoured to explain that his actions were not malicious but had been induced by frustration.
"Ruud was standing on my foot so I just pushed him away with my hand in an attempt to free myself," Keown explained at the time.
"I have to say that I would be sorely disappointed if the FA take this matter further as I felt it was just a minor incident."
If the defender is found guilty by the FA disciplinary panel he could face a ban of up to three games.
