Sir Alex jokes about pulling the old twin switch with Rafael and Fabio

When Manchester United's Rafael da Silva was sent off during last weekend's 0-0 draw against Spurs, everyone made jokes and had a chuckle about how he could circumvent his suspension by pretending to be his brother and teammate Fabio. In his Friday press conference, Alex Ferguson joined in the fun and, in the process, revealed that the old twin switcheroo has crossed his mind.

From the Canadian Press:

The identical 20-year-old players have confused match officials during their time in England, with referee Chris Foy booking Fabio instead of Rafael at Barnsley last season.

"I could play Rafa and say he was Fabio quite easily," Ferguson quipped. "There is no way they could know. Probably they have the same DNA. Maybe it wasn't Rafael who was sent off last week? It is definitely a thought.

"The referee booked the wrong one at Barnsley, so one day you could play one in the first half and the other in the second."

OK, that does it. I think it's time Man United are required to add some easily distinguishable marks to their bodies. Forehead tattoos, or maybe superglue horns to one of their heads -- whatever. The potential for shenanigans is too great and by publicly joking about it, Fergie is clearly trying to throw people off his plan. I'm on to your game, Ferguson.

Video via The Original Winger