Alex "Fergie" Ferguson Worried About World Cup Players
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, says he fears that some of his players who took part in the World Cup will not be ready for the new Premier League season.
With the World Cup having only just finished, players who recently returned to England will need some time off. This is the only time they are going to get a break before the new season.
This sets back the pre-season training for some players and could mean they won't be physically fit enough or match fit enough to take a place in the United team for the first game of the new season.
Ferguson says over-tired players are something that he has just become used to during his career. This news could also further suggest there is need for a break in the Premier League season although most clubs, including United, have squads capable of coping with the loss of key players.
Won't Be Ready
The reason that Ferguson thinks some of his players will not be ready is because they have been playing continuous football from the back end of last season going into the World Cup.
They have not been able to take a break from the game and it's hardly unreasonable for United players who played at the World Cup to take a small break. However, the point is that the Premier League season is now about a month away and time is running out in terms of pre-season training.
Ferguson said: "[After the Community Shield] By that time, after we've surveyed the fitness of the ones who've been in the World Cup because they don't come back until 28th July, we'll really know whether any or all of them should play in the opening game."
There is a very good chance that United are going to be one or two players short by the time they play Newcastle and this means there will already be more pressure on other players before the season has even started.
Need for a Break
The need for a break in the Premier League has been debated over the last few seasons but does not fit in with the traditions of the English game. The break already happens and works well in Spain and other countries.
There is good reason for it because it would provide a welcome break for many clubs in the middle of an intense season. United are one of the bigger clubs but it would be just as welcome.
There will be a few that see Ferguson's comments as an early indication that the Scot is predicting a tough start for his team. United have a big squad but they have not made the high profile signing, which would have taken the club forward over the last year and a half.
Betting Advice
Ferguson is one of the most experienced managers in the Premier League and he will know how to get his team ready for the start of the Premier League campaign. They stand a very good chance of winning their first game regardless of the side that Ferguson names.
The real test will come over the course of the season, which often throws up plenty of dips and rises in form. United will be a good bet in any Premier League season but if you are a little unsure then hold off to wait and see if they bring anyone else in who will improve the standard of the playing squad.
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