Manchester United’s unbeaten record in the EPL continued after they held on for a lively 0-0 draw at fellow title-challengers Tottenham last Sunday, despite being down to ten men for the final 18 minutes.

Twenty-year-old Brazilian right-back Rafael da Silva was dismissed for a second caution and has since accepted a Football Association charge of ‘improper conduct’ for his reaction to the dismissal.

While United reportedly ponder numerous moves in the January transfer market, chief executive David Gill confirmed that the club have begun talks with veteran Ryan Giggs over a new 12-month contract.

 

Meanwhile, in an intriguing development, former Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona has been appointed ‘director of soccer’ at the recently-reformed New York Cosmos.

United once more rode their luck a little when grabbing the point at Spurs which took them back to the EPL summit, ahead of arch-rivals, big-spending Manchester City on goal difference but with two games in hand.

Rafael was unfortunate to receive his second caution, although his first booking was for a reckless, studs-up challenge.

And the FA said they were charging the 20-year-old for “the player’s conduct towards match official Mike Dean following his dismissal.” Rafael shouted and gesticulated at Dean before storming off the pitch.

United have been linked with players such as Everton’s Leighton Baines, Lyon’s Michel Bastos and Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao – all potential replacements for wantaway French left-back Patrice Evra.

Giggs, meanwhile, just keeps on going. The 37-year-old Welshman is out of contract at the end of the season. But Gill said this week: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he extends his contract for another season. That will be addressed in the next month or so.”

While the player himself said last week: “Over the last two or three years, we’ve talked after Christmas. It’s been quite relaxed and we will do just the same in the next couple of months.

“I want to carry on playing and as long as the club wants me as well, I will.”

Giggs’ one-time United contemporary Cantona was typically lyrical in appraising his new role in America. The 44-year-old claimed it was a “wonderful project, a kind of a mix between football and art.”

United host struggling Birmingham City in the EPL this coming Saturday afternoon.  Rafael will be suspended for the encounter. But John O’Shea is in contention to fill the right-back berth after coming through a reserve fixture this midweek.