Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has sympathy for Roberto di Matteo over his sacking by Chelsea.

Di Matteo has been replaced at Chelsea by one of Ferguson's greatest rivals, Rafa Benitez.

"Everyone feels for Roberto Di Matteo," said Ferguson.

"It is quite amazing when you consider he has won the FA Cup and Champions League.

"The biggest disappointment for me is in two weeks' time they are going to play in the Club World Cup. You would have thought they would have waited two weeks to give the guy a chance to win a world title.

"That's why I really feel disappointment for Roberto - he could have an FA Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup on his CV. It's a pity for him."

Despite the changes at Chelsea, and their recent poor form, Ferguson is not ruling them out of the title race.

"A few weeks ago we were certainly thinking it looked like a three-horse race and I don't think that is out of the question because there are only a few points between the three teams anyway," he said.

"Chelsea have got a big squad of players.

"They have a lot of experience and have brought in a couple of young players - Oscar and (Eden) Hazard - so there is no way you can possibly dismiss Chelsea."