Ferguson to decide on Rafael replacement

Alex Ferguson must find a replacement for Brazilian full-back Rafael, who will miss Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Birmingham at Old Trafford tomorrow through suspension.

The youngster received his marching orders for two bookable offences at White Hart Lane but must also face an FA misconduct charge and could yet be forced to sit out next Tuesday’s trip to Blackpool.

Brother Fabio, plus more experienced duo Wes Brown and John O’Shea, are all in contention to fill the vacancy, with Ferguson also expected to make a couple of extra changes as his side look to retain top spot.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Lindegaard, O’Shea, Brown, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Nani, Obertan, Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Gibson, Anderson, Giggs, Bebe, Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Owen.