Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has dismissed the notion that Sir Alex Ferguson is responsible for Manchester United's woes this season.
United boss David Moyes has endured a turbulent first season in charge since replacing the legendary Scot as the Red Devils look certain to miss out on a top-four spot.
With Ferguson understood to have hand-picked his compatriot as successor, he himself has come in for some criticism, but Mourinho says that the 72-year-old should be permitted to enjoy his retirement rather than being made a scapegoat.
"Lots of people are speaking about Sir Alex," the Portuguese told reporters. "He made Man United what Man United are. He decided to retire. When somebody decides to retire, especially a person like him, he deserves to retire. He deserves to enjoy his life.
"And now he's responsible for what? Man United lose a match it's his responsibility? Man United struggling in the Premier League is his problem? Wayne Rooney misses a goal, it's his fault? Or David de Gea makes a mistake and it's his fault?
"He can only be blamed for one thing - Man United being the club Man United are. He's retired. Let him retire in peace."
United, who have slumped to 10 defeats in the Premier League thus far, face Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of the Champions League next month.
Shane Callaghan
