Ferdinand charge rocks United

ALEX FERGUSON’S Carling Cup plans have been thrown into chaos after Rio Ferdinand was hit with a FA charge that could rule him out of tonight’s semi-final decider with Manchester City.

Although Ferdinand has until 6pm this evening to either accept a three-match ban or contest the violent conduct allegation at a disciplinary hearing tomorrow, the decision will have to be made far earlier.

Ferguson had already outlined what a huge impact the 31-year-old had made on his return to the Manchester United line-up after a three-month absence with a back injury.

Now he knows, if Ferdinand accepts his punishment for what was clearly an arm swung into Craig Fagan’s face during the second half of Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of Hull, the England defender will immediately be back on the sidelines.

In considering the decision, 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.

If Ferdinand does miss out tonight – and also the matches against Arsenal and Portsmouth that follow – it would leave Ferguson relying on Jonny Evans and Wes Brown once more in the heart of his defence, and also either Rafael Da Silva or Gary Neville at right-back.

It would also place even more responsibility on Wayne Rooney, whose four goals at the weekend took him up to 20 for the season.

Rooney is set to be partnered by record signing Dimitar Berbatov as United look to secure a place at Wembley, while Ryan Giggs will make a record 32nd derby appearance hoping to help the Red Devils overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit.

Ferguson accepts tonight’s game will be highly charged.

Nine thousand travelling City fans add even more to the mix and both the FA and Greater Manchester Police have already stepped in with their own pleas for calm.

But Ferguson has no fears for his own side. Having been through so many big nights in the past, the Scot feels there is no need to be worried.

“I don’t pay any attention to all that,” he said. “The player behaviour has always been perfect. We have never had any issues in big games. Look at the record. I am not worried about it.”

What Ferguson is worried about is whether his team will make it to yet another final.

He accepts the added pressure that comes with the opponents, although, having faced – and beaten – fierce rivals Leeds at exactly the same stage of the same competition in 1991, that in itself is not a drawback. “The fact it is a local derby is an important enough incentive,” said Ferguson.

“But we have already shown we want to be in the final. We have played against some great teams in similar situations over the years. We hope that experience helps us.”