David Moyes has insisted that Manchester United's below-par start to the season cannot be attributed to the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.
The Red Devils were held to a home draw by Southampton on Saturday, a result that leaves them eighth in the Premier League and already eight points behind early pacesetters Arsenal.
"Sir Alex Ferguson has a great history and his experience will always work in charge of any team," Moyes told reporters.
"But the fear comes from the team on the pitch. The players have always been the people that have to turn out and do it."
The English champions host Stoke City when they return to domestic action next Saturday, three days after Real Sociedad visit them in the Champions League.
