Rio Ferdinand has gone against the advice of United officials and insisted on a an appeal against the charge of violent conduct thrown at him by the FA yesterday.

Ferdinand was charged following an incident involving Craig Fagan in Saturday’s 4-0 win and is facing up to a three-match ban as a result. This appeal could now see that ban extended to four matches should the FA turn it away and regard it as “frivolous”. The appeal will be heard on Thursday. Sniggers from fans of United’s rivals will likey be heard shortly after.

Rio has only just returned from a three-month layoff with a back injury and is obviously keen to maintain his starting role and clear his name. However, given that United have reportedly advised against the appeal, this seems a rather foolish brave move on Rio’s part.

Right now Ferdinand is looking at a suspension which will see him miss league matches against Arsenal (A), Portsmouth (H) and Aston Villa (A) although an extension of the ban would also rule him out of the Everton (A) fixture…

It could be that the return of Nemanja Vidic will soften the blow of this ban. The Serb’s muscle injury will keep him out of tonight’s Carling Cup semi with City but he could be in line for a return for the trip to the Emirates at the weekend.

Ferdinand’s absence looks set maintain Jonny Evans’ starting role. He was preferred to Wes Brown for the Hull game and so looks set to remain a fantasy option for those seeking a cheaper United defender. Rafael presents the alternative; he appears to have cemented his place at right-back ahead of Gary Neville. However, John O’Shea is getting nearer to a return from injury. It was revealed today that he could now make a comeback in March.