Man Utd boss Ferguson talks up Chelsea midfield pair Lampard, Cole

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his admiration for Chelsea midfield pair Frank Lampard and Joe Cole.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti reckons tomorrow's game will be decided in midfield.

"Lampard has still retained that fantastic energy to come down the pitch and you would have to say that his player stats are quite exceptional for a midfield player," the United manager said. "He is 31 now but he looks after himself, obviously.

"They've got an exceptional player there and very, very good experience in the rest of the team. I think experience can be important. Joe Cole is a different type of player from one you would normally use in a position in that midfield diamond.

"But I think he is probably a player that I'd be looking for in that role; someone that can open up the door by his own individual play.

"He is a very mobile player, capable of beating a man as we know - a brave little lad."