Source: Telegraph
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson accuses Rafa Benitez of arrogance
Manchester United v EvertonKick-off: Sun Apr 19, 4.00pm, Wembley Stadium, LondonTV: ITV1, ITV HD, Setanta Sports 2Radio: BBC Radio Five Live [LNB]Ferguson, preparing his team for Sunday's FA Cup Final against Everton at Wembley, resumed hostilities with Benitez during his press briefing at United's Carrington training ground on Friday lunchtime. [LNB] Related ArticlesRooney: Everton taunts inspire meTevez and Ronaldo to Real?Rooney: United stronger for setbacksPorto 0 Man Utd 1: Agg 2-3'Ronaldo is a Real Madrid player'Papers: United running scared, says WalcottThe two men have engaged in a verbal battle ever since Benitez revealed a series of 'facts' to criticise Ferguson in January. The United manager responded by suggesting Benitez was disturbed' and the venom has since continued to flow in both directions. [LNB]But Ferguson's latest attack came in defence of close friend Allardyce who, according to the United manager, was treated with contempt' by Benitez during Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Blackburn at Anfield last Saturday. [LNB]Ferguson said: 'There is one thing about the arrogance he has shown, but the thing you can't forgive is his contempt to Sam Allardyce last week when Liverpool scored their second goal. [LNB]'Did you see it? He gestured to suggest that the game was finished. Absolute contempt. I don't think Sam Allardyce deserved that, a guy who has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers Association). [LNB]'He didn't deserve that. Having had to play with a weakened team, he didn't deserve to get that kind of contempt. [LNB]'I don't think any other Liverpool manager would have done that. It was beyond the pale.' [LNB]With United up against Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday, Ferguson admits that even David Moyes's team have been forced to endure the 'arrogance' of Benitez. [LNB]He said: 'Irrespective of what Rafa Benitez says, Everton are a big club. He called them a small club, which just points to his arrogance. [LNB]'David Moyes is building a big club with a young squad that will get better. He has a good variety there, so I think he has done a great job. [LNB]'We are facing a very hungry team on Sunday because David has to win a trophy and I know he is feeling that way. [LNB]'This is a big opportunity for him, so we know what we are up against.' [LNB]Michael Carrick (ankle) and Wayne Rooney (foot) are expected to be fit on Sunday, while Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva due to contest the right-back role.[LNB]
