Marcello Lippi has tipped Manchester United to do the double over Chelsea and land both the Premier League and Champions League.

The World Cup-winning coach, who is an old friend of Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, believes there is little to choose between the two teams but that the reigning Premier League champions just have the edge.

“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 [Champions League] final.”

While Cristiano Ronaldo has taken most of the plaudits after scoring 40 goals, the Italian claims United are strong because the players are prepared to work for each other, and credits that togetherness to Ferguson’s ability as a coach.

“People say that players make the difference and a coach counts for only 20 per cent of a team’s results,” Lippi added. “I don’t think it’s like that at all. I think today the coach is very important.

“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.”

Lippi, who led Italy to the World Cup in 2006, is a big fan of Ronaldo, who seems certain to be named Fifa World Player of the Year.

“It’s difficult to imagine he can improve considering the level he has reached,” Lippi said. “You mustn’t forget that he does everything at supersonic pace so it’s natural to make some mistakes when you play at that speed.

“Maybe if he slows down his way of playing a bit he could reduce his margin of mistakes. But he doesn’t have to do it because his major quality is to do great things at great pace.”