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Red Devils boss unhappy with numerous call-ups
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled international friendlies as a 'waste of time'.
The Red Devils' long-serving tactician is all for players competing in major tournaments, but he cannot understand the point of friendlies.
Ferguson does understand the need for head coaches to have the time with players so that he can impose his philosophy and style of play.
However, as a club boss Ferguson is without a number of squad members due to call-ups and feels it is pointless working on team shape.
Waste
"I am all in favour of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup, he told US digital station Sirius XM.
"But 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.
"But every time there are friendlies you get six or seven call offs.
"It is sometimes worthless for the manager to build on that because of the lack of players."
Progress
Scotland tackled Brazil in a friendly on Sunday with the Samba Boys running out 2-0 winners at Emirates Stadium thanks to Neymar's brace.
Head coach Craig Levein succeeded George Burley in December of 2009 and, after a slow start, Ferguson believes the nation are making progress.
"There is a definite improvement for Scotland," he continued. "They are starting to produce some good young midfield players; McArthur from Wigan, Commons from CelticMorrison from West Brom.
"These are young lads who are starting to break through. For the first time in a long time they are getting quite a few young midfielders coming through.
"Yes it was a big test yesterday. Brazil were fantastic in terms of their attitude to the game. They were aggressive and fought for every ball.
"It was a surprising attitude from Brazil, particularly in a friendly."