Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson's longevity at Manchester United as "incredible".

Ferguson announced on Wednesday that he will retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season, and Lampard has praised the 71-year-old for his desire to remain at one club over a 26-year period.

The 34-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I have nothing but admiration for him. In terms of the period of time he has done it, he has been the greatest.

"A lot of managers are making a play for it, but they need to do it for the amount of time that Fergie has.

"He has been incredible. His desire to keep improving the team and evolving the team is a complete one-off."

Everton boss David Moyes is expected to be named as Ferguson's replacement later on Thursday.