Source: Telegraph
Liverpool's Rafa Benitez labelled 'arrogant' by Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United v EvertonKick-off: Sun Apr 19, 4.00pm, Wembley Stadium, LondonTV: ITV1, ITV HD, Setanta Sports 2Radio: BBC Radio Five Live 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. 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. 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. 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. '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). 'He didn't deserve that. Having had to play with a weakened team, he didn't deserve to get that kind of contempt. 'I don't think any other Liverpool manager would have done that. It was beyond the pale.' 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. 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. '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. 'We are facing a very hungry team on Sunday because David has to win a trophy and I know he is feeling that way. 'This is a big opportunity for him, so we know what we are up against.' 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.