Loan ranger Fergie happy to farm out talent

Alex Ferguson is convinced the loan system is working in favour of Manchester United.

Over the past few seasons, Ferguson has let players leave Old Trafford for short spells with increasing regularity.

Of his 19-man squad on the current tour of South Africa, the United boss has sent nine away from Old Trafford and the majority have returned better players.

Defensive duo Gerard Pique and Johnny Evans are the latest to be earmarked for a move by Ferguson, who has also declared his intention to let young keeper Ben Foster return to Watford for a second season.

The United boss is still to decide whether to let prolific striker Giuseppe Rossi further his education elsewhere but, with the standard of reserve team football reducing, Ferguson has no doubt the loan system offers great benefits.

“Without question, the loan system is working for us,” said Ferguson.

“Basically, the reserve league has turned into a youth league.

“There are very few mature players in reserve teams now, so by putting players out on loan they get far more competitive football and are also exposed to the more physical side of the game.”