Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Didier Drogba's departure from Chelsea is a boost for their title rivals.

The Ivory Coast international has joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

The Blues are now looking for a new big-name player to take the African's place, but the Red Devils coach is glad to see the back of Drogba.

"When you think of the season he's just had, I must say it is a big boost for us that Drogba is leaving Chelsea," Ferguson said in The People.

"He scored that fantastic goal in the final with two minutes to go and his goalscoring record in the big games, in big finals, is incredible.

"As far as I was concerned, he won the Champions League for Chelsea," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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