Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would support proposals to limit the number of foreign players in team line-ups. Speaking in Japan ahead of United's Club World Cup campaign, Ferguson told fifa.com: "I think it should be a concern when local and national players are not given opportunities, so therefore eventually there have to be limitations on foreign players. That way clubs' youth systems are protected.

"Progress is progress and the future has to protect the national game."

United earned praise from FIFA president Sepp Blatter for winning the Champions League last season with a side containing six English players. "Ryan Giggs has been with the club for 21 years, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes for 19 years, and that demonstrates the part loyalty plays in the game.

"People look at the stats of those three players and will be amazed, but why? These players have supported the club with their loyalty but it's a two-way thing and we are proud of that.

"Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea are also instrumental. We've brought young players in and they've stayed for the duration. As a club, we encourage loyalty."