English route way ahead - United chief

Manchester United will take the English route in their bid to win the championship, according to chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Following the transfer of Rio Ferdinand from Leeds to Old Trafford, Kenyon believes the way ahead for the club is to buy English or players who have English as a first language.

‘‘Rio’s nationality is important because the backbone of the team is built on English players,’’ Kenyon told The Independent.

‘‘There are more wet, cold days than there are hot sunny ones and British players know what to expect.

‘‘We have always said we want to keep the core of our team English. We know what their international commitments are - they are not going to suddenly depart on long-haul flights around the world every five weeks.

‘‘These things are disruptive, irrespective of skill. The team spirit thing has worked for us. The Premier League is a tough league and in some respects is unique.

‘‘It is not going to take Rio three months to acclimatise.’’