OUT OF THE BLUE

"It is a shock and is out of the blue, concerning the rivalry down the years between United and Chelsea," said Hutchinson.

"As part of the new Chelsea they have brought the guy in to presumably try to surpass United. He is a very good businessman. I think it is fair to say that what he has done commercially has made them streets ahead in England as far as resources are concerned. If you look globally at their financial situation - compared to Real Madrid who have assembled a superb squad but also piled up a load of debt - they are on a sound footing.”

"He will be a big loss to Manchester United."