The Manchester United boss lauded the 34-year-old’s “phenomenal” career as he nears the Blues’ all-time scoring record, likening the player to Red Devils legend Bryan Robson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he wished the club had turned their interest in Frank Lampard into business when the midfielder was still at West Ham.
Despite being in and out of the Chelsea squad this season the England international has netted 13 Premier League goals, and is now just one short of Bobby Tambling’s all-time club record of 202.
The Red Devils boss believes the 34-year-old’s top-flight tally will never be replicated by another midfielder – and has revealed his regret at not making a move for Lampard during his time at Upton Park.
“Frank Lampard has had a great career – he is quite phenomenal,” the 71-year-old told reporters. “If he ends up with the 202 goals record, I don’t think there’s a midfield player who will do that again. Not in the Premier League.
“He has that great knack that Bryan Robson had of timing when coming into the box. John Wark at Ipswich was another one who could time his runs forward.
“Frank arrives at just the right time and that ability has got him 200 goals. Plus, I can’t remember him ever being injured. Most of the games he has missed have been because they thought he was past it or whatever.
“He has been incredible. We looked at him at West Ham when he was a young player and I have to say I regret not doing any business. Where else could I get 200 goals from midfield?”