Wayne Rooney claims Sir Alex Ferguson "got out of Manchester United as quick as he could" before their downward spiral began.
The Red Devils saw the Scot depart after more than two decades back in 2013.
Ferguson left having led United to the Premier League title but it remains the club's last top flight triumph.
David Moyes came in to replace his compatriot but United finished seventh and have struggled to find their way back since.
Before Ferguson's retirement the club saw several marquee players leave with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez both seeking pastures new.
That saw Rooney question his own future and briefly push for a transfer away from Old Trafford.
He stayed but admits the club were throwing money his way to retain his services.
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That trend of paying big wages has continued in recent years, although little silverware has come as a result.
Rooney prioritised success on the field over financial rewards and claimed his manager also saw the club's new direction which factored in to his exit.
He said in his new documentary: "They were offering me a contract of £200,000 a week, so it would have been quite easy for me to say, 'five years, £200,000 a week… let me sign it now'.
"It would have been quite easy for me to do that. But I wanted success on the pitch – that means more to me.
"Actually, if you look five years down the line from that meeting – Alex Ferguson knew where the club was going and he got out of there as quick as he could, and they’re still picking up the pieces now."
Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all held the reigns on a full-time basis since Ferguson's departure.
United's best league showing is second - a position they've finished in twice over the past seven seasons.
They are also looking to end a trophy drought that dates back to the 2017 Europa League final, which was won during Mourinho's tenure.
Ralf Rangnick is currently in interim charge at Old Trafford but doubt remains as to who will be the man in the dugout beyond this season.
The German has talked about remaining in his role beyond but there have been rumours of discontent within the group regarding Rangnick's methods.
Mauricio Pochettino has been highlighted as a possible successor with his stint in Paris potentially coming to an end this summer.
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