Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed how Manchester United have hired a fleet of private jets to ensure their players away on international duty are back in time for this weekend's action.

"Freshness is the name of the game now as we come towards the end of the season and the intensity of vital games coming in quick succession," Ferguson remarked in United's most recent match programme. "My role becomes even more important in selecting the right teams, with freshness the operative quality. It's not necessarily putting out your best team, it's picking the freshest.

"This will be a real problem when the players come back at the end of the international break after playing two games involving long flights, particularly with Chicharito in Mexico [to play USA] and Shinji Kagawa with Japan [who have a World Cup qualifier in Jordan on Tuesday].

"In fact, we're making arrangements for some players to fly home by privately hired jet after their matches, to make sure they get home as quickly and smoothly as possible.

"Tiredness is a great leveller but we will do our utmost to make sure we field the freshest possible teams. Private planes are going to cost the club an awful lot of money, but it is something we feel we have to do.