Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed calls for a foreign player quota to be imposed in the Premier League.

England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 prompted what Ferguson describes as "hysteria" and an inquest into their dismal campaign, with many people claiming a lack of English talent is down to the number of foreigners in teams here.

FIFA want to implement their "six+five" proposal across the world, which would mean clubs could only start matches with a maximum of five foreign players.

But Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, said: "There has been some criticism in the media of the Premier League with a call for quotas to guarantee English players starting places in teams.

"I did not start the final of the Champions League with six Englishmen because I was making a political statement. I did it because they're good enough to win the European Cup.

"It is nonsense to say that England do not have players who are capable of competing on the international stage.

"The hysteria surrounding England not qualifying for Euro 2008 does not create the right atmosphere for good decisionmaking."

Of more immediate concern to Ferguson, though, is the lack of players he has available for the new season. United go into Sunday's Community Shield clash against Portsmouth without 10 senior men.

Wayne Rooney, laid low by a virus, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is recovering from an ankle injury, are among the stars who will sit out the Wembley game.

With Carlos Tevez the only fit forward, Ferguson will be forced to partner him with either Ryan Giggs or Frazier Campbell, who has made just one first-team appearance.

Ferguson does not believe the situation will ease in time for their Premier League opener against Newcastle United a week on Sunday.

"It is a concern," said the Scot. "With Wayne [Rooney] probably out of the opening League game and Louis Saha's future unclear we are a bit short up front. But at the start of a season I always feel we will find a goal because the players are good enough."

Edwin van der Sar believes United will be cope. The goalkeeper said: "I am still confident. Sometimes people get injured and miss games. That is what happens.

"Others have to come in and step up. Hopefully, that is what will happen next week. We are a bit short of firepower up front but we have a big squad and our strong defence will give us something to build on."