MANCHESTER: Alex Ferguson admitted he is still fuming over Rafael Da Silva’s suspension and joked he could thwart the ban by playing him and pretending it’s his twin brother Fabio.
Rafael is out for today’s clash against Birmingham at Old Trafford following his red card in the goalless draw at Tottenham and was later charged with improper conduct for his protests.
The Manchester United manager could now turn to playing Fabio in his place at rightback, but joked that he could play his identical twin Rafael and no-one would be any the wiser.
Ironically, the Da Silva twins were involved in a case of mistaken identity during a League Cup match against Barnsley last season.
“I might put Rafael in there,” said Ferguson. “They wouldn’t know (the difference). Their DNA is probably the same. But it was a bad decision to send him off. In a big game it can have an impact, especially with 20 minutes left.
“Having to replace Rafael has given us something to consider, plus one or two other changes. Fabio could replace him. (John) O’Shea and (Wes) Brown also played for the reserves, so they are a consideration.”
One player who will be available though against Birmingham is Ryan Giggs.
Ferguson confirmed the decision to extend Giggs’ contract had already been taken, and raised the possibility the veteran Welshman, 37, could carry on beyond that.
“I spoke to Ryan a few days ago. He is happy to have another year and that is good news,” he said. “You can see his fitness. It is incredible.
“He could do another year, who knows, another two years, because his fitness is so good.
“I never expected him to be here so long but as the years went on there were improvements in terms of sports science and fitness, and Ryan is very much into yoga too. That gives you a better chance of course. But Ryan has also been prepared to make sacrifices and be a really good professional.”
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