Sir Alex Ferguson Autobiography: David Moyes Sacking Defended by Former Manchester United Manager

Sir Alex Ferguson has absolved himself of any blame for David Moyes' failings at Manchester United but admits he played no role in the sacking of the Scot just eight months into his tenure at Old Trafford.

In an updated version of his autobiography, which details Moyes' spell in charge, Ferguson says the 51-year-old "hadn't realised just how big United is as a club" and this contributed to the disastrous season United endured under his management.

Ferguson, who personally approached Moyes to succeed him in the summer of 2013 following confirmation of his retirement, has also denied accusations he then played a role in his sacking last April.

"There appears to be an accepted view out there that there was no process," Ferguson writes. "Nonsense. We feel we did everything the right way: quietly, thoroughly, professionally.

"As the results deteriorated, each defeat was a hammer blow to him. I could see that in his demeanour. In January we bought Juan Mata and that gave everyone a lift but I could see the walls squeezing in, leaving David with less and less room to breathe.

"I know that feeling from 1989, when we went through a terrible spell. You feel you are being crushed. The results gnawed away at David. Nobody could dispute how disappointing the season was. And it cost a man his job."

The 72-year-old also criticised Moyes for failing to retain former assistant Mike Phelan upon his appointment, while he also reveals talks took place following the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, which came after the loss to Liverpool by the same scoreline.

"It's hard to watch that kind of outcome when Liverpool are the ones dishing out the pain," he added.

"It was a rough season for a United fan and it was tough for me because I knew there were plenty of good players in our squad. They weren't showing their form – and that seemed to place a huge weight on David's shoulders."