Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's been disappointed with the standard of the World Cup.

While England have floundered, Fergie believes the whole tournament has failed to spark.

He said: "It's been a disappointing World Cup, but I had a feeling it would be.

"I have been disappointed with the quality levels, I haven't been impressed at all.

"The season we have in Europe, particularly in England, is tough.

"The players met up about 3-4 days after the season finished and they have been together for most of that time, after a long, hard season.

"It's a real task to ask players to perform at the best level they can achieve after the season in England."