Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has been heavily criticised since being appointed as Avram Grant's successor in the summer. But Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson feels the World Cup winner can handle the pressure.

"Scolari has fantastic experience, which should stand him in good stead coming into any league in the world," said Ferguson.

"He has managed Brazil and Portugal and no matter where you get your experience it is still vital.

"People are looking at Nigel Clough and saying he has not managed in the league but 10 years at Burton is as good experience as you are ever going to get.

"It allows you to go down the road and know which door to knock on.

"I don't think there has been much change in the Chelsea team other than the swing in terms of home and away form.

"They are still consistent, they are still very difficult to play against and they still have very good players."