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'. Ferguson is currently in the United States, where he is launching Manchester United's summer tour. 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. Waste of time: Ferguson claims international friendlies carry little meaning to them 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. '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. '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. Sent home: United striker Rooney (left) will not play any part in England's game against Ghana '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.' 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. 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. 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