London 2012 Olympics

Manchester United's plans in "utter chaos" fumes Sir Alex Ferguson

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 22 April 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is furious that Team GB and England youth call-ups will throw his pre-season plans into "utter chaos".

Sir Alex Ferguson has explained that his preparations for next season are in "absolute chaos" because of call-ups to the London Olympics.

Team GB coach Stuart Pearce recently whittled his shortlist of players down to 80 and, although only 18 will ultimately make the final squad, Ferguson is unhappy that 10 of his players are being considered.

He said: "10 nominated, It's a joke. It's ridiculous, there are so many complications. You've got the European Championships and our pre-season tour.

"It is bloody serious. It's the start of the season. I haven't got a say in it but if the players don't want to go there is nothing they can do about it.

"Then one of the England youth teams, the U-19s, are in a competition and the FA have nominated five. We were intending to take them with us on our pre-season tour so it's utter chaos, absolute chaos."

Ferguson confirmed that Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Jonny Evans are among Pearce's chosen 80.

Spaniard David de Gea and Mexican Javier Hernandez have already had their places at the Olympic tournament, which starts in July, confirmed.