As a consequence, the FA expect to be formally notified of the decisions today, triggering an automatic charge of violent conduct against both men, which, if proved, would lead to three-match suspensions.

However, there is still a strong possibility Rooney in particular could escape a ban as United are almost certain to lodge an appeal for wrongful dismissal in both cases. And, while the FA must be seen to be going through the correct disciplinary process, such an appeal is likely to get a sympathetic hearing as there is a strong body of opinion that players dismissed in pre-season games should not face such a hefty punishment.

If any appeal on Rooney's behalf was successful, he would be free to face Fulham on August 20. Scholes' case is not quite so straightforward though as, even if the former England man is only deemed to have committed a yellow card offence when he went through the back of Quaresma, having already received one caution, the result could still be a one-match ban.

Such a scenario would be a blow to Ferguson as he has already indicated Scholes would partner £18.6 million new-boy Michael Carrick against Fulham. But it is the latest controversy over Rooney which provides the United boss with his greatest headache for he now has a problem on his hands.

If not necessarily curbing the youngster, so crucial to United's chances of making any impact on Chelsea this term, then in shielding him from defenders eager to exploit his temper and referees looking for a 'trophy' dismissal. The United boss felt elements of both contributed to Friday's red card, the fourth of Rooney's career.

"Players are diving and acting so much now we are almost accepting it, which we should not do, " said Ferguson.

"The defender made a meal of it, which makes it hard for the ref but he should have done better. You hope commonsense would prevail but that was a ridiculous decision."

For now though Ferguson has more pressing concerns about the make-up of his defence. Having left for Amsterdam without injured trio Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Gabriel Heinze, the United boss has now lost Rio Ferdinand to an ankle injury sustained in the warm-up to Friday's game and replacement John O'Shea, who suffered a dead leg.

While Ferguson has only expressed concern over Vidic's chances of making the Fulham game, the growing number of walking wounded must be a worry after the Scot has continually stressed the need for United to avoid the mass of injuries which has hampered their progress in recent seasons.

Eighteen-year-old Northern Ireland rookie Jonny Evans was flown out as cover for the encounter with Ajax and, between them, the red cards and injuries have given Carrick a swift introduction to life on the Manchester United rollercoaster.

On his debut appearance Carrick produced an encouraging display, setting up Scholes for United's opener and displaying an impressive range of passing which Ferguson hopes will help the Red Devils sustain a stronger challenge for the title.

"I enjoyed it, " said Carrick.

"It was my first game since the World Cup, so I was just happy to get through it and get some fitness back. It was strange how it all worked out with the sendings off but it was nice to get the win."

Meanwhile, Sunderland have handed defender Robbie Elliott an initial one-month deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 32-year-old left-back has been training with the Black Cats in the last week and is eligible to face Coventry in the opening game of the Championship campaign today.

Manager Niall Quinn said:

"Robbie has impressed around the place this week but we have both agreed that we will learn a lot more about his future prospects during what is a demanding first month of the season."