Ferdinand facing FA charge
Manchester United's Carling Cup plans have been thrown into chaos afte Rio Ferdinand was hit with a Football Association charge that could rule him out of Wednesday night's semi-final decider with Manchester City.
Ferdinand is facing a three-match ban after being charged with violent conduct.
The FA took the action after viewing video footage of the England defender's clash with Hull forward Craig Fagan during the second-half of Saturday's 4-0 win at Old Trafford.
Although Ferdinand has until 6pm on Wednesday to either accept a three-match ban or contest the violent conduct allegation at a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, the decision will have to be made far earlier.
In considering the decision, manager Alex Ferguson will also be aware, should United lodge what the FA disciplinary panel deem to be a "frivolous" appeal - purely so Ferdinand can face City - they risk the defender being handed an extended ban.
