Exclusive – Man United players must take share of the blame, claims Wilkins

Ray Wilkins believes the Manchester United players must take some responsibility for David Moyes’ departure.

The Old Trafford chief was removed from his post on Tuesday morning, following a disastrous first season with the Red Devils.

But Wilkins claims the Scot is not entirely to blame for the club’s failure to launch a title challenge and clinch a Champions League spot.

“The players haven’t been good enough,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “The manager will sometimes take a lot of flak, and that’s his job, but somewhere along the line the players have to stand up and be counted.

“They haven’t performed well enough, not like Manchester United players should.”

Man United are currently seventh in the Premier League table, 12 points off a Europa League place.

And Wilkins claims failure to land fifth place could be beneficial for Man United.

“The best thing that can happen for Man united is not qualifying for the Champions League,” he said. “They can concentrate on getting themselves together and getting back in the top four. They need to re-establish themselves in Europe.”