Ferguson says United deserve more respect

MANCHESTER, England (AP):Alex Ferguson wants the Football Association (FA) to show more respect to Manchester United because the Premier League champions provide the England national team with so many players.

As many as eight United players could be picked for next month's European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales. Ferguson said yesterday that should inspire gratitude in the ruling body.

Without citing a particular incident, Ferguson cursed as he lambasted the FA for the way it has treated his team.

"We are pleased for the players because they deserve to be there. They are outstanding," Ferguson said. "The FA may one day realise who has produced more players for their country than any other club in the world.

"Maybe they will get some joy from it at some point in their lives and realise how important we are to England."