English clubs are hindered by coaching restrictions – Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that coaching restrictions in England are leaving clubs at a disadvantage compared to their continental rivals.

Ferguson’s comments come after his United team were dismantled by a rampant Barcelona on Saturday.

The Scot believes that coaching restrictions which prevent any more than 90 minutes a day being spent with youngsters are leaving English sides way behind their Spanish counterparts.

He told Sky Sports: “People have to understand the mechanics of the industry we are working in.

“We are only allowed to coach youngsters for an hour and a half, they Barcelona can coach every hour of the day if they want to.

“That’s the great advantage they have got. It is a fantastic philosophy.

“We hope that in years to come our coaches will be able to spend more time with young kids, to teach them the basics, the technical abilities and the confidence to keep the ball all the time.

“We are good at it, but not as good as Barcelona at this moment in time.

“It is a wonderful challenge and we should always accept a challenge.”