Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has suggested that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is partly at fault for David Moyes's current predicament.

The ex-Everton boss, who took charge at Old Trafford following the retirement of Ferguson last summer, has come under criticism following a number of disappointing results this season.

The North-West outfit have failed to progress in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, and their chances of reaching the next phase of the Champions League took a hit when they suffered a 2-0 defeat in their last-16 tie against Olympiacos last night.

The Red Devils are also unlikely to qualify for the elite European competition this season as they currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

In the wake of United's result in Greece, Barton took to Twitter to criticise the club's failure to give Moyes a smooth transition into the job.

Barton tweeted: "Can't help but feel sorry for Moyes. Fergie left a squad in need of a major overhaul. If he left when he should have(5yrs ago)......it would have been a smoother transition for the new man in charge. Woodwood's 1st yr as Chief Ex never helps either. #fergiesfault."

Reports have emerged suggesting that the club's hierarchy are considering sacking Moyes.