Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer claims Michael Ballack made a mistake joining Chelsea, adding the Germany international would be better off at Manchester United.

Ballack left Bayern in the summer, joining the Barclays Premiership champions on a free transfer and signing a deal which is thought to make him the highest paid footballer in the world on wages of £130,000 per week.

But Ballack has failed to shine in a Chelsea shirt this season and, along with Andriy Shevchenko, has been blamed for unbalancing the team in the wake of their recent inconsistent form.

'I cannot see a place for Ballack at Chelsea,' Beckenbauer said.

'As you can see, the game mostly passes him by. Frank Lampard is stronger and takes his position.

'He [Ballack] would have been better off at Manchester United.'