Sir Alex Ferguson has backed rival boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s call for seven substitutes to be allowed in Premier League games.
Presently, only five replacements can be named in domestic matches, a rule out of kilter with UEFA competitions, where seven is the norm.
However, in citing the example of Darren Fletcher, who performed superbly for Manchester United in their recent win over Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine but then did not even make the bench for Saturday’s draw at Arsenal, and also pointing to the huge squads most top-flight clubs now employ, Ferguson cannot understand why a seven-substitute rule is not introduced.
“I think in the modern game, particularly given the profile of the Premier League and the money available, there should be seven substitutes,” said the Scot.
“Every club has a big squad of more than 16 players now. In our case, it is nearer 25.
“We have tried to get this changed for some years now and I am sure if the coaches were to make the decision on it, it would be passed.
“When you look at someone like Darren Fletcher, he was absolutely fantastic in Kiev and deserves to be part of the squad. But he did not even make the bench on Saturday, which was a real kick in the teeth for him.
“It does not sit easy with me having to leave someone like Darren out when he has done a fantastic job for us.”
Fletcher must now wait to see whether he gets his chance in the return clash with Dynamo as United chase the win required to ease them into the knock-out phase with two games to spare.
Michael Carrick has already been assured of his starting spot, while midfield partner Owen Hargreaves is expected to finally make his European bow after recovering from the knee problem which blighted the early months following his £18million arrival from Bayern Munich.
