Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas should learn from his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson's handling of senior players, according to Ray Wilkins.

Villas-Boas has reportedly had a series of fallings-out with a number of Chelsea's experienced players this season.

Wilkins believes that Ferguson's management of established players such as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs is the example to follow.

"It's very important that when Andre is dealing with the senior players that those discussions have to take place," the former Chelsea assistant told Sky Sports News.

"You see how well Sir Alex Ferguson manages the likes of Scholes and Giggs and Ferdinand, he manages them magnificently well - not only the playing time but also as human beings.

"There has got to be conversation and if Andre is asking for their opinion, then he shouldn't be too shocked when the opinion comes back because they are very powerful and very strong personalities, these guys he's dealing with."

Ashley Cole is believed to be the latest Blues player to have argued with Villas-Boas.