All week Manchester United fans have been joking about the idea of playing “Fabio” at right back this weekend following Rafael’s suspension.

“I might put Rafael in there,” Ferguson said. “They wouldn’t know. Their DNA is probably the same.”

Rafael has been fined today and warned about his future conduct. United can’t appeal the sending off as you can’t appeal yellow card decisions. Sir Alex is relieved that the FA used common sense (for a change) and did add on a further ban because of Rafael’s reaction to the bad decision made by referee Mike Dean.

“You hope for common sense,” he said. “You hope that prevails. It was a bad decision to send him off. In a big game it can have an impact, especially with 20 minutes left.”

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Da Silvas chant