Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised "bold" Roberto di Matteo for the way he's transformed Chelsea's style this season.

The big surprise to him was that it took so long for Roman Abramovich to offer Di Matteo the job after winning the Champions League last season.

Fergie said: "It's bold to play that way for a new manager. They had the confidence from winning the Champions League but he's been bold.

"You've got to give the lad credit. I think it's very positive.

"They are probably realising, looking at their squad in terms of Terry, Ashley Cole, Petr Cech, they've got a lot of experienced players there.

"Lampard's probably coming to the end, too."