Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit has come out in defence of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Gullit has ­blasted UEFA for issuing a complaint against ­Manchester United boss Ferguson.

Ferguson has been asked to ­explain his no-show to the media in the immediate aftermath of United's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Gullit said: "The fact that UEFA are questioning Sir Alex's ­behaviour is a typical case of ­throwing your weight about and eagerness to follow the rule book.

"Of course, a manager has the ­obligation to appear at a press ­conference after a Champions League game. But Sir Alex declined because he was far too emotional to give a clear and proper analysis.

"If someone with the stature of Sir Alex, with all his experience, ­decides it is better not to speak, then that must be respected.

"He is an absolute icon in world football and, because of that, everything he says will have a huge impact and have consequences for many people involved.''

The Dutch star added: "What is clear to me is that ref Cuneyt Cakir proved in the United-Real Madrid game that he has never played ­football at a decent level.

"If you have played the game at some level, you can see, without hesitation, Nani never showed any intention for malice or wanting to hurt his opponent. It was an unlucky moment for Nani.

"It was a foul. That is the only thing where the referee was right."