Sir Alex Ferguson has cursed International friendlies, saying that they are a 'waste of time'. The gaffer is in favour of International competitions such as UEFA Euro 2012 and the FIFA World Cup, but has hit-out at pointless friendlies where the only developments are injuries. Sir Alex was speaking in America, as United launched their pre-season tour plans...

Sir Alex Ferguson has played for 6 clubs, managed 4 clubs and both played for and managed Scotland in his 54-year professional football and managerial career - and the conclusion the world's greatest footie manager has come to is that International friendlies are nonsensical. Players train and play with their national sides on an irregular basis, causing injuries and fallouts which can have impacts on their respective clubs. 
 
"I am all in favour of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup," he said, launching United's 5-game tour of The USA. "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."

Meanwhile, Sir Alex also hit-out at the schedule of The FA Cup Semi-Final against Manchester City at Wembley, which takes place on Saturday, 16th of April - a weekend which will see Stoke City, Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal and Liverpool play in London as well as the city's annual marathon taking place. 
 
"It’s going to be absolute chaos." Fergie stated. "I don’t think the cost of people travelling down to Wembley is considered. You’ve got Villa Park and Anfield just there on your doorstep. It’s quite incredible but there’s nothing that can be done about it. It’s always nice to go to Wembley, but I think it’s much better if you just go for a final !"