The Arsenal boss says the Scot's presence in the stands at Old Trafford is "not a problem" and feels that the players must take responsibility for the club's poor form this season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Sir Alex Ferguson is not to blame for Manchester United’s inconsistent form this season.

The reigning Premier League champions have struggled under new manager David Moyes, currently languishing in seventh place in the Premier League and having been knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round.


Sir Alex has been a regular spectator at United’s games this season but Wenger feels he cannot be blamed for his former side’s current travails.

"Alex Ferguson was for 27 years at the club. When he appears in the stand, it is not a problem," he told reporters.

"What is the problem is the players on the pitch who can win the game."

Prior to Saturday’s victory over Swansea, United had lost three games in a row, their worst run of form since 2001, but Wenger feels the players must take responsibility for the Red Devils' unimpressive defence of their title.

"It is the good passes that win the games. It is not the presence of somebody in the stands who loses you the games," he added.

"You do not have to go overboard. The problem now is whenever Manchester United do not win a game the cameras go on Ferguson: he is the man who is missing. But I think that is the wrong problem."