The one thing that has really affected us this season, the one thing that has perhaps meant the difference between being clean away at the top of the table and there only due to the fact that we have played more games than our opponents has been the awful injury list the manager has had to contend with.

The situation was so bad at one stage that both Fletcher and Carrick were playing as centre-backs.

However, we have held in there and the light at the end of the tunnel came a few weeks ago when it looked like both Rio and Vidic would both soon be fit to resume their partnership and provide us with that solid base required to launch our assault on three fronts.

We aren’t quite there at the moment, although Rio Ferdinand did make his comeback after three months out with injury when we played Hull at the weekend. A game or two more should see Vidic return to action and then we’ll be cooking with gas.

So, the last thing Fergie needed was for Rio to do something stupid.

However, hoping that Rio doesn’t do anything stupid is a bit like hoping that the Glazers might find a spare £200 Million down the back of their sofa.

In the game against Hull, although it wasn’t spotted by either the referee or his assistants, TV replays showed that Rio appeared to swing his right arm and hit Craig Fagan on the back of the head.

Now, of course, the FA have looked into the video evidence and have charged Rio with violent conduct. An offence which carries a three match ban.

(Funny how video evidence can be used in certain situations isn’t it? Don’t get me started! )

He has until 6pm tomorrow (Wednesday) evening to respond to the charge but he should at least be able to play in the game against City tomorrow. He will however, miss the massive Arsenal game on Sunday whatever happens.

With Vidic possibly not fit to return until next week, Fergie finds himself right back to square one for the next few games.

The option of an appeal is open to Rio but he has clearly hit Fagan and I don’t see how any kind of appeal could be regarded as anything less than “frivolous” and if that is the FA’s decision then the ban could even be extended by a game more.

If I am to find any kind of defence for Rio at all (and it isn’t easy) then Rio’s reaction looks very sudden, as though it was some kind of reflex action. Fagan does appear to have his arm around Rio’s waist just prior to the swing and I wonder if Fagan did something that caused the reaction?

I’m grabbing at straws here and Fergie will no doubt be resigned to the fact that Rio is going to be out again immediately after coming back.

In the immortal words of Derek Edward Trotter, the great 20th Century Philosopher… You plonker!

You sure we can’t have Smalling now?