Liverpool legend Alan Hansen insists Manchester United were always going to go backwards this season - with or without Sir Alex Ferguson.
Hansen wrote in the Telegraph: "The truth is, last season United were the most effective and efficient team with the best manager, but they did not have the best players. Manchester City made it too easy for them.
"At times United played extremely poorly in games - particular in the early months - giving away stupid goals and finding themselves in situations where they would have to launch one of their traditional comebacks.
"They consistently got themselves out of trouble and that won them the league, especially as their nearest challengers offered so little resistance.
"That was never going to last and those who forewarned of improvements being needed under new management were correct. There is no great surprise that the vulnerabilities noted during the last two years have become more prevalent now. "
