Jamie Carragher has admitted that he was flabbergasted to hear Sir Alex Ferguson blamed for Manchester United's recent struggles.

The Scot retired at the end of the 2012-13 season after guiding the Red Devils to the Premier League title, the 13th of his career.

However, United have struggled since his departure under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, with some people suggesting the strength of the squad Ferguson left as the reason for the hardship.

Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "When his name was mentioned, however, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief. Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He should have left a better squad, the theory goes. He left United weak because he did not sign better players and, as a result, his legacy is being damaged because United appear to be in freefall. Van Gaal has claimed he will need a year to turn the situation.

"I find it remarkable anyone could genuinely feel Ferguson has anything to do with what is happening now. What we are actually seeing, with each passing week, is how far Ferguson's genius stretched and just how much of an impact he had on the club."

United face Burnley in their Premier League clash later today.