Source: Team_Talk
Fergie impressed with MLS
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson can see Major League Soccer being made up of four conferences, such are the rapid strides being made.[LNB] Ferguson's first experience of football Stateside was the now-defunct North American Soccer League, which was filled with overseas signings such as Pele, Johan Cruyff and George Best.[LNB]Even eight years ago, when United embarked on their first commercial tour, opposition was drawn from Europe and Mexico to ensure the standard was high enough to generate public interest.[LNB]Now, though, Ferguson knows his team face tough examinations even though three of United's five matches this summer involve teams drawn from the domestic league, with a fourth featuring an MLS All-Star team containing David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan.[LNB]He can only see the situation getting even more competitive.[LNB]In two years' time, the MLS will confirm a 19th franchise, which is tipped to mark the return of the legendary New York Cosmos.[LNB]And, if growth continues, Ferguson sees no reason why they should stop there.[LNB]"I always thought the problem would be the size of the country," said the Red Devils chief ahead of Wednesday's encounter with New England Revolution.[LNB]"Travelling from Boston to Los Angeles is a long haul.[LNB]"But in Brazil they have two leagues. They could easily do that in the United States if it takes off and they got more clubs involved.[LNB]"In fact, you could have four leagues because of the size of the country and the population base.[LNB]"There are unbelievable possibilities for the United States."[LNB]Over 50,000 fans are expected at the Gillette Stadium to watch the Champions League runners-up in action.[LNB]That is three times the normal number of supporters who would be expected to attend an MLS game.[LNB]Nevertheless, it is a significant portion of a city which boasts top-notch NBA, MLB and NFL teams.[LNB]"It is different to when I first came here in 1978," said Ferguson.[LNB]"I went to see quite a few teams to see if I could bring something to Aberdeen that would have been useful in terms of not just the football side but the commercial side.[LNB]"But it was difficult. Teams used to travel to play three away games at a time and it never really worked.[LNB]"Now we see the United States in a different light. There is evidence now that they are starting to produce their own players.[LNB]"They have advanced their game because of the coaching and their sports science. Their preparation is first class.[LNB]"That has put them to a different level in terms of my appreciation of them and also my understanding that you are not going to get an easy game."
