Sir Alex Ferguson retirement has had a bigger impact than estimated, says Manchester United defender Jonny Evans

Jonny Evans says the 'magnitude' of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement from Manchester United was underestimated (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Jonny Evans says the ‘magnitude’ of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from Manchester United was underestimated, as the club, beaten 2-1 by Tottenham on Wednesday, struggle to stay in touch with the title race.

United are 11 points behind leaders Arsenal in seventh position with fears over their qualification for the Champions League next season. “As a player I probably didn’t realise the magnitude of it [Ferguson’s retirement] until I stepped back and looked at it from the outside,” the defender said.

Moyes will not be charged by the Football Association for his criticism that some of referee Howard Webb’s decisions were “scandalous” in the match against Spurs.