Rafael says Man U players to blame for poor season, not Moyes

Manchester United player Rafael has said that he and his fellow players must take the blame for their poor season instead of boss David Moyes.

Reigning Premier League champions United managed to avoid losing four straight matches for the first time in 53 years with a 2-0 win over Swansea City, but that victory left them in just seventh spot, five points off the Champions League places and seemingly out of the title race as they are 10 points behind leaders Manchester City.

According to the Mirror, Moyes has been criticised since leaving Everton in the summer to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson, although Rafael said the fault lies with the players, not the manager in charge, adding that it is players who have to do the job on the pitch.

Stating that they need to be consistent, Rafael further said that they have to play in every game like they did against Swansea if they want to get to the top four or defend the title successfully, adding that to have three losses in a row - and two of them at Old Trafford - is not normal.

However, Rafael also said that they were aware that they would have to face a tough time given that Ferguson had retired after being 27 years in charge, adding that they need to take the strong mentality Moyes has given them and use it on the pitch.