United star facing suspension

Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Wednesday's crunch Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City after being charged with violent conduct by the FA. The Manchester United defender, who has only just returned from a three-month injury layoff, faces a three-game ban for a forearm smash on Hull's Craig Fagan. If Ferdinand appeals he can play in the Manchester derby. However, he risks having his ban increased if a panel decides the appeal has no grounds. The referee missed the incident at Old Trafford but the FA have taken action after seeing footage of Ferdinand swinging round and catching Fagan in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Tigers.