Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand weighs up appeal

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to appeal against a violent conduct charge.

He could plead guilty and accept an immediate three-match ban or fight the charge - and be free to face Manchester City in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The defender appeared to strike Hull forward Craig Fagan in United's 4-0 Premier League win on Saturday.

If Ferdinand, 31, appeals against the Football Association charge a hearing would take place on Thursday.

The decision whether to appeal is likely to be down to how strong the evidence is against him.

If Ferdinand admits the charge, he would be ineligible for the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against City, plus Sunday's Premier League trip to Arsenal and the home game against Portsmouth on 6 February.

Television replays appeared to show Ferdinand making contact with Fagan with a swinging arm in the United penalty area as the home side prepared to defend a Hull free-kick.

The charge is a blow for United, who have suffered a series of injuries in defence this season, with Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Wes Brown, Rafael Da Silva, Fabio Da Silva and Gary Neville all having significant spells on the sidelines.

Last week, Ferguson revealed that John O'Shea is likely to miss the rest of the season because of a leg problem.

Ferdinand was making his return to the first team against Hull after spending three months out with a calf injury but he has also been plagued by a back problem.

Ferguson was delighted to have Ferdinand back in his team and said his presence had a galvanising effect on the defence.

"Rio's performance level is important," stated Ferguson. "It is important to have him back because getting the centre-halves fit is key to our progress this season."

From BBC