Source: Telegraph
Sir Alex Ferguson sums up rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United
The Spaniard would no doubt rather the Manchester United manager spent his free time bringing his maths up to scratch. [LNB]Ferguson yesterday insisted he was "amazed" by Benitez's claim after Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old Trafford last week that the difference between the two clubs was "about £100 million" spent in transfer fees over the last five years. [LNB] Related ArticlesUnited's schedule brings tough choices[LNB]Henry Winter: Benitez's belief[LNB]Liverpool to face Chelsea[LNB]Champions League guide[LNB]Something for the Weekend[LNB]Boardroom revolution bears fruits[LNB]"I worked out in the last five years Liverpool have spent £24 million more than Manchester United," Ferguson said. "I talked to some people in the sports technology department and told them to check it out. He is well ahead of us in spending in the last five years. [LNB]"In that time, we've signed 18 players, eight of them young ones. We like to develop our players but other clubs are maybe different. Rafa has a different philosophy from me about producing players, but that is the great thing about football. Everyone has a different way of doing things." [LNB]Benitez may wish to ask Ferguson to show his working. The figures suggest that it is, as the Spaniard posited, United who have spent substantially more since he swapped the Mestalla for Merseyside. [LNB]In terms of gross spend, the difference is not vast. Ferguson's purchases have set United back some £185 million, while Benitez has parted with just a little shy of £180 million. It is in the net spend, though, that shows the true extent of United's vastly superior financial power. [LNB]Benitez has financed much of his spending through player sales, systematically upgrading and replacing his squad as he was able. His wheeling and dealing have raised some £108 million for Liverpool, giving a net spend in his time at the club of £72.22 million. [LNB]Ferguson, unencumbered by the need for capital to bolster his resources, has managed to raise a mere £70 million from sales, resulting in a net spend of £112.2 million. [LNB]It may not be the £100 million Benitez sardonically suggested in the aftermath of his triumph at Old Trafford, but his point was sound. It is unreasonable to expect Liverpool to catch up on the field as they lag so far behind off it. [LNB]With Benitez's new contract now signed and his tenure at Anfield secure until 2014, though, Ferguson expects the Spaniard to get to work without delay on closing the spending gap between the two clubs. [LNB]Ferguson said: "You will see Rafa produce an incredible spree. That is an absolute certainty now he has signed a new contract. They talk of a recession but there will not be one at Liverpool. [LNB]"There is no doubt they will have a big spending purge. That is Rafa's way. But we will address their challenge, just as we did with Chelsea. It doesn't matter where the challenge comes from, whether it be Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal. You try to be No 1."[LNB]Even Ferguson at his most obtuse would not suggest for a moment he has been suddenly cast in the role of Premier League pauper. While he is adamant summer transfer policy has not yet been discussed at the European champions, he has received loyal backing in the transfer market in his 23 years at Old Trafford. [LNB]He said: "We never discuss targets at this time. But it has always been the same here, even under (former chairman) Martin Edwards. If I wanted a player, the club would try to find the money. That will still be the case. The Glazer family have always delivered." [LNB]
