Ferguson not to blame for Man U's recent failures, says Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand, one of the world's top defenders in football, has defended his former manager Alex Ferguson, saying that he can't be blamed for the recent failures of Manchester United.

The Scot, one of British football's most successful leaders, has been criticized in recent months following Manchester United's dramatic downturn in form since his departure, but CNN quoted Ferdinand, as saying that he couldn't understand how people could blame Ferguson for the recent poor form.

Over two decades, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

But after leading United to league glory in 2013, a title won by 11 points, Ferguson retired and appeared to take his magic touch with him.

Under David Moyes, United capitulated in alarming fashion, finishing seventh and failing to qualify for European competition.

Some argue that Ferguson left his successor an aging squad, with the likes of Ferdinand, now 35, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra-two defenders who left Old Trafford in the summer transfer window-Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick all in their fourth decade.

Ferdinand said that Manchester United still had some great players in the squad when Ferguson was clsoing his tenure as manager, and added that only a top team could win the league by 11 points.

Ferdinand played 81 times for England, and was part of six Premier League, Champions League and two League Cups title winning squads.

He also said that current coach Louis van Gaal of The Netherlands needs time to get the team to come together and go back to its winning ways.