Alex Ferguson was angry that he was not consulted before the Premier League made public their plans for an 'international round' of matches.

The Manchester United manager refused to give his view on the plan, which would see every top-flight club play an extra match a season in a foreign city.

The 20 clubs have voted in principle to explore the proposal, which would take effect from the 2010-11 season.

Ferguson said: "What disappoints me is [United chief executive] David Gill phoned me and said 'keep this quiet, we are going to discuss it' and then it's all over the papers this morning.

"They can't keep their mouth shut down there.

"I think if they are going to do these things they should have been enquiring and having discussions with managers and players before they come out with all this stuff and make an issue of it.

"These issues should be discussed internally by clubs before they come to this position we are today but until I speak to David Gill again I have nothing more to say about it."

Ferguson was "delighted" however that the Premier League will allow a bench of seven substitutes rather than six from next season.

He added: "I have said that for years. It should be 11 subs on the bench, as most clubs carry a squad of 22 or 23 players. At least this helps.

"Last Sunday at Tottentham we had players sitting in the stands who could have been on the bench contributing something towards the team."

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has thrown his weight behind the Premier League plans.

He said: "I have to say, I think it is great. Change is good sometimes.

"Obviously, it depends who you are playing in that extra game - if we were playing one of the top four, I might argue then.

"Change is good sometimes. The Premier League has been brilliant.

"(Chief executive) Mr (Peter) Scudamore spoke last night and I thought he spoke brilliantly.

"They will look at a few proposals, they will do everything properly - and it is three years away.

"I have got enough on my plate trying to get Wigan out of the way, I cannot worry too much about that.

"But in terms of the bigger picture - and please God, we are in there with a shout with Sunderland - then it is progress and I think we should all be trying to be positive about it.

"Hopefully by then, Sunderland will be a lot bigger - you never know, by then, we might be one of the top five clubs then, so it will be one we will look forward to.

It would be good, wouldn't it? We are hoping if we don't break in by then, we are getting bigger and stronger."

Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn, who was at yesterday's meeting, admitted the proposal is interesting, but insisted there is still along way to go before it becomes a reality.

He said: "The concept announced by the Premier League today is an interesting one but the idea is still in its infancy.

"Whilst all 20 clubs agreed the time was right to explore the idea in principle, it would be premature to get carried away at this stage.

"I can only speak for Sunderland, but whatever happens between now and a final decision being made, the main priority for myself and the Sunderland Board will be to protect the interests of the club and its fans - and to be as open as possible on route to a decision being made.

"To be honest, my focus right now is ensuring that we are a part of the long term structure of the Premier League no matter where the games are played."