Source: Daily_Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson brands international friendlies a 'waste of time'
Sir Alex Ferguson has branded the concept of international friendlies 'a waste of time'. [LNB]Ferguson is currently in the United States, where he is launching Manchester United's summer tour.[LNB] But the United boss is obviously aware that England will tackle Ghana in a sell-out friendly on Tuesday, 48 hours after his beloved Scotland were beaten by Brazil at the Emirates Stadium. [LNB] Waste of time: Ferguson claims international friendlies carry little meaning to them [LNB]As a former international manager himself, Ferguson does understand why such matches are arranged. But given so many senior players are often missing - his own Wayne Rooney was one of five released by Fabio Capello yesterday - Ferguson does not see the value. [LNB]'I am all in favour of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup,' he told US digital station Sirius XM. [LNB]'But friendlies are a waste of time as far as I am concerned. We always say that. 'It is understandable for the coach. They have the players for a period when they can influence them and can build and shape their team. I can understand that completely. [LNB] Sent home: United striker Rooney (left) will not play any part in England's game against Ghana [LNB]'But every time there are friendlies you get six or seven call offs. 'It is sometimes worthless for the manager to build on that because of the lack of players.'[LNB] United are set to unveil a five-match tour that will open in Boston on July 14 and conclude with a high-profile meeting with fellow Champions League challengers Barcelona in Washington on July 30. [LNB]The club have confirmed they will face the Major League Soccer All-Stars team at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on July 27. [LNB] B-team fury: Capello hits back at angry fans after sending key stars homeGraham Poll: Perhaps Rooney was already in holiday mode in Cardiff...Manchester United FC news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Fabio Capello, Wayne Rooney Places: Barcelona, Washington, Boston, Scotland, United Kingdom, Ghana, Brazil
