Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie wants foreign quotas

18 Dec 2008 - 07:28:21

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has urged the game's law makers to impose a limit on the numbers of foreigners in a bid to protect homegrown talent.

Speaking ahead of United's involvement in the Club World Cup in Japan, the veteran Scot has endorsed FIFA's recent plan to restrict each club to a maximum of five foreigners in their starting line-ups.

"I think it should be a concern when local and national players are not given opportunities, so therefore eventually there have to be limitations on foreign players. That way clubs' youth systems are protected," he told FIFA.com

"Progress is progress and the future has to protect the national game."

Meanwhile, Ferguson believes the likes of current homegrown talents Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea can follow in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes and become stalwarts at Old Trafford.

"We have been fortunate that the players we have understand the romance and loyalty of the club," he added.

"Ryan Giggs has been with the club for 21 years, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes for 19 years, and that demonstrates the part loyalty plays in the game.

"People look at the stats of those three players and will be amazed, but why? These players have supported the club with their loyalty but it's a two-way thing and we are proud of that.

"Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea are also instrumental. We've brought young players in and they've stayed for the duration. As a club, we encourage loyalty."