POISED

MANCHESTER UNITED will hit the FA with both barrels when they charge Rio Ferdinand.United have kept quiet since the England star’s missed drugs test became public.But they are poised with a powerful statement over what they believe is an orchestrated campaign to ruin Ferdinand.

An Old Trafford insider said: “There has been a lot of surprise at the leaks coming out of the FA over this case. It is almost as if they have been deliberately preparing the ground to hit Rio with a tough charge.”

Old Trafford chiefs are happy that they have done everything by the book.

But Sun Sport has learned that United believe the FA have been quietly muddying the club’s reputation before throwing the book at their player.