Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has backed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after criticism over their non-English squad against Crystal Palace. Wenger, whose side face Warnock's Blades in the FA Cup this weekend, did not name a homegrown player in his 16.
But Warnock told BBC Sport: "I think we should hold our hands up and say a big 'thank you' to him for what he has brought since he came to the country.
"He is playing the rules of the league and the rules are you can do that."
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson was critical of Wenger's selection.
And Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor backed Merson's view that it is a worrying sign for the English game.
 |  I've a lot of time for him and I think his team are so exciting |
Warnock added: "I do think it will have an effect on English players in the long term but you can't blame Arsene Wenger for that.
"Arsene Wenger has brought so much to Arsenal football club and this country.
"He has been criticised this week for putting out a non-English 16 but you can't knock anyone for adapting to the rules.
"I think he has extended professional footballers' careers by two or three years by bringing in dieticians, nutritionists, the technology he has brought with him and how thorough he is for matches.
"Other ordinary managers like myself have taken it all on board and we owe him an awful lot.
"I've a lot of time for him and I think his team are so exciting."
MMIX
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