Ruud Gullit, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker react on Twitter to Di Matteo’s sacking

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has described Chelsea's decision to sack Roberto Di Matteo as "madness".

He twitted saying, “Wow, Chelsea have sacked their manager!! I’m a bit late I know but it’s a madness. The stability at our club is something our manager rarely gets praise for…don’t underestimate that. #LambChopped”

The Blues dropped the axe on Di Matteo this morning despite the Italian leading them to Champions League and FA Cup glory last season.

His departure leaves Roman Abramovich looking for his NINTH manager since buying control of the club from Ken Bates in 2003.

And Ferdinand, who has only worked under Alex Ferguson during his decade at Manchester United, was less than impressed when he heard the news.

Former Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit believes the haste of Di Matteo's departure ensured that the board had already identified the new man and believes it could be Jose Mourinho.

"I can't believe that Chelsea just sacked him without knowing who is going to be the next one," Gullit told Sky Sports News. "I think they have already in mind who is going to be the next one. It could of course be Mourinho, if it happens, I don't know because it is in the middle of the season."

Players' chief Gordon Taylor claims Chelsea have set an unwelcome record by sacking Di Matteo just six months after winning the Champions League.

"I know Roberto well and he is a good man so this is sad news," Taylor told the Press Association. "It's also quite incredible that he can be sacked so soon after winning the Champions League - and the FA Cup for good measure. It must be a record, and not a good one."

England legend Gary Lineker (‏@GaryLineker) puts Di Matteo’s achievements in perspective: “Take over in spring, win FA Cup, win Champions League, lie third and very much in contention in PL after finishing sixth last season. Next?? I’ve no idea who’ll he appoint now. Guess he’ll try for Mourinho or Guardiola in summer with temporary boss like Avram Grant until then #guess!”