Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie hits back at Benitez
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Premier League title rival Rafa Benitez after more criticism from the Liverpool manager.
The Spaniard launched a stunning attack on Ferguson during the Christmas period, which initially appeared to backfire until his side romped to a 4-1 success at Old Trafford last month.
Benitez then suggested Ferguson was 'scared' of his side ahead of the Reds' UEFA Champions League meeting with Chelsea at Anfield in midweek, which they subsequently lost 3-1.
Domestic matters take precedence again on Saturday, with Liverpool hosting Blackburn in the early kick-off and United travelling to Sunderland at 3pm eager to maintain their one-point cushion at the summit.
Interesting
Ferguson said: "The interesting thing as far as Rafa Benitez is concerned is that he has got a European tie coming up and he is talking about Alex Ferguson.
"That's fantastic. I didn't know I was that important."
Asked another question about Benitez, Ferguson smiled and said simply: "I have no further comment to make."
Ferguson believes Chelsea's victory over Liverpool in Europe will now make Guus Hiddink's side a more dangerous opponent in the closing stages of the Premier League title race.
And he likened Chelsea's thumping win to Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final replay triumph over Arsenal in 1999 for the impact it might have.
"You can never forget Ryan Giggs' goal at Villa Park in the year we won the treble in 1999," said Ferguson.
"That just lifted everyone. From then on we were unbeatable.
"Chelsea will be very buoyed up now. That is what happens when you get a really important result. And that was a good performance."
Concentrate
Although United have a game in hand on both Liverpool and Chelsea, Ferguson prefers to dismiss it and feels the title race could go down to the very last day of the season.
"That would do me fine," he said. "We are used to that.
"I am certainly not thinking about the game in hand because it can create a false situation.
"Yes it is an opportunity when the game eventually arises but, at the moment, we are a point ahead and we have to concentrate on that."
