Rafael's dissent earns FA charge

Rafael Da Silva has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his reaction to referee Mike Dean after being dismissed against Tottenham.

But team-mate Patrice Evra backed the defender, praising his display in Sunday's 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

"Rafael did a great job," said Evra. "He is a strong defender. You need that against a player like [Gareth] Bale." United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was similarly complimentary: "It was a high pressure game for him. He played really well. He's only 20 and he's doing a great job. He'll have plenty more years at this club."