Ace striker Wayne Rooney's [ Images ] fate rests in referee Mark Clattenburg's hands as Manchester United [ Images ] striker could face a four-match ban for elbowing on Wigan's James McCarthy.

The Manchester United striker is expected to be charged by the FA today for the incident in Saturday's 4-0 win at the DW Stadium.

He is expected to answer to the charges of violent conduct on Tuesday and, if he pleads guilty, will miss that night's game at Chelsea [ Images ] and be banned for two further games.

If he pleads not guilty he could get a three-match ban plus a further game for what might be regarded as a frivolous appeal, The Sun reports.

Referee Clattenburg gave a free kick, but did not even book Rooney although TV pictures showed he was looking away from the incident.

Clattenburg can now admit making a mistake after reviewing replays and recommend a ban.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez [ Images ] said: "It is quite clear that it is a red card. He catches James McCarthy in the face with his elbow. If one of my players had done that, I would think he was very lucky to stay on."