Ferguson slams England's 'mocking culture'

MANCHESTER, Mar 30 (Reuters) Steve McClaren's position as England coach is being made difficult by the ''mocking culture'' that surrounds the national team, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said today.

McClaren, formerly Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford, has been heavily criticised after England's goalless draw in Israel and 3-0 win over Andorra in European Championship qualifying games.

''I don't think anybody can enjoy what's happening to him,'' Ferguson told reporters.

''The previous (England) managers have had the same type of thing. The problem is that it's a mocking industry.

''It's just a mocking culture we've got and you see that, they mock the man and ridicule him and that's hard to take. It's very, very difficult.

''He will be feeling it but he's a man and he will get on with it. He's made that indication that he will get on with it.'' McClaren, who was appointed by England last summer as the successor to Sven Goran Eriksson, was abused by a section of England supporters during both games and has also had a hard time from the Press.

Ferguson, who had a brief spell as a national team manager when he led Scotland in the 1986 World Cup finals in a temporary capacity, added: ''Where you apportion blame in this kind of culture we've created I don't know. To see of the behaviour of some the fans at that game, deary me. Who has created that? ''Is the Press responsible or is that just our culture? I think you have to look at that and I have no answer to it to be honest.'' The performance of some of the England players has also been called into question, with Wayne Rooney's goalscoring record, which has seen him fail to score in a competitive international since the European Championship finals in 2004, coming under increasing scrutiny.

His form for Manchester United has been more impressive, though, and Ferguson believes his player should not be singled out.

''You can't put the responsibility on one player,'' Ferguson said. ''I don't think the team has played well. That goes without saying. I think they are all putting their hand up to that one.

''As far as I am concerned with Wayne, he's young and we've got to try and develop him.'' Rooney will lead United's attack against mid-table Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Saturday when they look to maintain their six-point advantage over Chelsea at the top of the table.

United go into the game on the back of seven straight league wins.

''All we can do is try to maintain the consistency we have shown to be in this position. I am happy with the form of the team and we've got the right players,'' Ferguson said.

Paul Scholes returns from suspension while Ole Gunnar, back after knee surgery, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (calf) are also available.

Louis Saha and Darren Fletcher are also back in training, but Gary Neville remains out with an ankle injury and will not return until the middle of next month.

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