Compare football odds from over 25 bookmakers and claim £500+ in Free Bets. Click here for offer!

Steve McClaren’s position as England coach is being made impossible by a “mocking culture” that surrounds the national team, according to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

McClaren, formerly Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford, has been lambasted by the press and public alike after England’s goalless draw in Israel and 3-0 win over Andorra.

“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 was barracked by a section of England supporters during both matches and has also been given a hard time by the Press.

“Where you apportion blame in this kind of culture we’ve created I don’t know,” added Ferguson. “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 international performances of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney have come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, but 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.”

Compare football odds from over 25 bookmakers and claim £500+ in Free Bets. Click here for offer!