Manchester United defender Rafael has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

United right-back in trouble over Dean outburst

Manchester United defender Rafael has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association. The Brazilian right-back was sent off for two bookable offences in Sunday's goalless draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Having being shown his first yellow card in the opening 45 minutes, Rafael was given his marching orders midway through the second period following a foul on Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The FA charge relates to his behaviour towards referee Mike Dean after his dismissal, when the 20-year-old protested the decision before kicking over a television sound boom as he left the pitch. Sir Alex Ferguson refused to comment on Rafael's sending-off following the match, preferring to praise his defenders for keeping a clean sheet. Rafael now has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge.