Marcello Lippi has tipped Man Utd for the double and believes that the Reds will overcome Chelsea in both the Premiership title race and the Champions League final in Moscow.

Lippi is a known friend of Sir Alex Ferguson, and has always admired the Reds from his days as Juventus boss.

“When you are managing a number of great players, many of them from different countries with different mentalities and cultures, the personality and the character of the coach becomes crucial.

“This is the case with Ferguson. You can clearly see that every United player is ready to sacrifice himself to help the team. Nobody thinks for himself, everyone is focused on the team first. To have success in every competition you have to be a great manager.”

With regards to Man Utd's double exploits, Lippi quipped: “Chelsea beat them in the league but United were not at their best,” he said. “It was a big boost for Chelsea even if they probably know it will mean nothing because United will win their remaining league game to win the title.

“Chelsea are in good shape but I think United have a slight advantage in the final.”