Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand hailed the performance of Michael Carrick in their 2-2 draw with FA Cup opponents Chelsea.

Ferdinand labelled Carrick's pass to set up Chicarito for United's opener on Sunday as "the ball of the season" even though he expects it to be quickly forgotten.

"I am sure no-one will talk about it. It will be swept under the carpet and all the talk will be about other players who maybe do a little bit more explosive things than Michael does," he explained. "He is a little bit laid back. He plays at his own pace. He goes un-noticed.

"For Chicha to put it away the way he did...it was an instinctive finish which sums him up really. It was a great finish."