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.