Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been charged with violent conduct following an incident during Saturday's Premier League game against Hull City, the Football Association (FA) said on its website on Tuesday.

The England international was involved in a clash with Hull striker Craig Fagan during the second half of United's 4-0 win.

It was Ferdinand's first match back after a long-term injury which had kept him out of the side since October.

Ferdinand can either plead guilty and accept a three-match suspension or challenge the decision with the risk of a stiffer punishment.

He could miss Premier League matches against Arsenal, Portsmouth and Aston Villa.