Fergie blasts academy system

ALEX FERGUSON has launched a scathing attack on the FA’s academy system, claiming it has totally failed to produce the World Cup-winning talent that was promised.

Eight years after the academy system was introduced, the Manchester United manager claims he has identified “countless flaws,” many of which are forcing top clubs to look abroad for young talent.

Chief among them is the “travelling time” rule which permits clubs to train players who live within an hour or 90-minute drive of their academy centre, depending on their age.