Lineker mercilessly blames Alex Ferguson for the negative era that Manchester United is experiencing

Manchester United's current struggles have led to a flurry of opinions and analyses, with former England striker Gary Lineker pointing the finger at none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. Lineker's claim that Ferguson's latter years at Old Trafford laid the groundwork for the club's present-day problems has ignited a fierce debate, drawing a sharp response from the legendary manager himself.

Lineker's Accusation: A Legacy Under Scrutiny

During the BBC's coverage of Manchester United's FA Cup elimination, Lineker asserted that Ferguson's failure to leave behind a solid foundation was the root cause of the team's decline. "If you look at Liverpool now, with Arne Slot as the new manager, it's proof that Jurgen Klopp left the club in very good shape, so the structure is good. That wasn't the case at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's time at Old Trafford," Lineker stated.

He argued that while United won the Premier League in Ferguson's final season, the squad was aging, and the academy wasn't producing players at the same rate.

Ferguson's Rebuttal: Statistical Evidence

Ferguson, however, has vehemently denied Lineker's accusations. Speaking at an event promoting his autobiography, Ferguson dismissed the claims as "an insult," stating, "I have an easy defense against those accusations because the statistics are there." He pointed to the fact that the average age of his final squad was 25.3 years, refuting the notion of an aging team.

Squad Demographics: A Matter of Debate

While the average age of the squad may have been relatively young, Lineker's argument centers on the core group of players. Key figures such as Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, and Van Persie were all over 30, suggesting that the team's spine was indeed aging.

The debate surrounding Manchester United's decline highlights the complexity of the issue. While Ferguson's legacy remains largely untarnished, Lineker's comments have raised valid questions about the club's transition after his departure. The truth likely lies in a combination of factors, including squad demographics, structural issues, and player quality.