Carlo calls on Luiz to keep cool

Carlo Ancelotti has told David Luiz he must be "more calm" after narrowly escaping a red card in Chelsea's win against Manchester United.

The 23-year-old's aggressive approach marred what was otherwise another virtuoso display from the Brazil defender, who had scored a stunning equaliser minutes earlier.

Ancelotti acknowledges Luiz needs to improve his discipline if he is not to become more of a liability than an asset.

"He has to know English football," he said.

"He has to be more calm on the pitch.

"Obviously, he's showed fantastic ability and quality.

"He has to improve, but he will because he'll have more experience and knowledge about English football. He can change his behaviour on the pitch."

Luiz's all-action performances have made him an instant hit with the Chelsea fans and Ancelotti believes there is even more to come from the gifted centre-back.

"He's showing fantastic ability offensively, obviously," said the Italian, who has worked with some of the great defenders of the modern age, including the legendary Paolo Maldini.

"He's able to pass the ball and move in front without problems. He's able to shoot at goal.

"Defensively, he can improve."

Martin Atkinson's failure to punish Luiz for his foul on Rooney sparked a furious response from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United boss had not calmed down by the time he conducted a post-match interview, in which he appeared to question Atkinson's integrity.

Ferguson's outburst saw him charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Thursday, a charge he has denied.

Ancelotti refused to condemn the Scot's reaction, saying: "After the game, you have emotion about the game so, sometimes, you speak about decisions. This is normal, I think."

He added: "We spoke after the game and he was disappointed at the referee's decision, but this is football.

"Sometimes one coach is happy and the other is unhappy after a match with a referee's decision."

Chelsea's victory dented United's title push, denying them the chance to extend their four-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.

It also saw their opponents move to within 12 points of Ferguson's men with a game in hand, keeping alive the Blues' paper-thin hopes of retaining the championship.

Asked if Ferguson's outburst showed he was feeling the pressure, Ancelotti joked: "If Ferguson is under pressure in the title race, what kind of pressure must I be under?"