Rafa re-ignites Fergie feud - Liverpool boss Benitez refuses to congratulate United's champion chief

17 May 2009 17:52
Rafael Benitez declined to congratulate Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his side's title triumph as the pair's simmering feud continued.   Benitez had seen his side beat West Brom 2-0, and send them back to the Coca-Cola Championship, but was twice given the opportunity at the post-match press conference to congratulate Ferguson on winning the title.   Each time he made it clear that he was only prepared to congratulate the Old Trafford club as a whole.   United won their 18th crown yesterday, equalling Liverpool's record, and 24 hours later the Anfield men all but secured runners-up spot at The Hawthorns.   And not only did Benitez have to contend with questioning about his feelings towards Ferguson, he also had to comment on an amazing on-field bust up between Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa.   The pair exchanged views and pushes until they were pulled apart by colleagues and then given a dressing down by referee Martin Atkinson before a hand-shake.   But it was Benitez's attitude to Ferguson that surprised many.   During the season Benitez and Ferguson have traded barbed comments at regular intervals.   And the Spaniard said: "I will say congratulations to Manchester United. They have done well, but I do not want to say too much.   "I prefer just to say well done to the club, a big club, a good club.   "Normally you have to be polite and respect the other manager. During the season we have seen a lot of things that I didn't like, so that's it.  

Source: Daily_Mail