Ferdinand charged by FA

London - Rio Ferdinand was left facing the prospect of a three-match ban after being charged with violent conduct on Tuesday by the Football Association.

The Manchester United defender faces disciplinary action after clashing with Hull forward Craig Fagan during the second half of Saturday's 4-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford that saw champions United return to the top of the table.

England international Ferdinand has until 18:00 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the charge.

Ferdinand has the option of accepting the charge, for which the standard punishment is a three-game ban, by pleading guilty, or contesting the decision, which would lead to a disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

Even if he does plead guilty, Ferdinand could feature in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City at Old Trafford and start his suspension on Sunday, when United face title rivals Arsenal in a league match.

Were Ferdinand to accept an immediate ban, he would be ruled out of the matches against City, Arsenal and Portsmouth at Old Trafford on February 6.

Should he play against City, the third match of any suspension would be against Aston Villa on February 10.

United know that if Ferdianand does appeal, the FA may deem such a challenge "frivolous" and increase the 31-year-old's ban.

Ferdinand has only recently returned to action after three months out with a back injury and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has no doubt over the importance of the player he signed for £29.1m from Leeds to his team.

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