17-04-2009, 12:14 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Rafael Benitez of "arrogance" and showing "contempt" in his dealings with fellow Premier League managers.
The Liverpool chief has been in combative mood recently, on several occasions launching verbal volleys at Ferguson.
And ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Everton, Ferguson has hit back with a withering assessment of Benitez's conduct.
First he lambasted the Spaniard for his description of Everton as a "small club" before rounding on him for the attitude he showed in dismissing Blackburn last weekend once Liverpool had scored their second goal at Anfield.
"Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said," said Ferguson.
"But arrogance is one thing. You cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed (Blackburn manager) Sam Allardyce last weekend.
"When Liverpool scored their second goal he signalled as if the game was finished. I do not think Sam deserved that.
"Sam has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers' Association) and he's had a weakened team. I just thought it showed contempt.
The Liverpool chief has been in combative mood recently, on several occasions launching verbal volleys at Ferguson.
And ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Everton, Ferguson has hit back with a withering assessment of Benitez's conduct.
First he lambasted the Spaniard for his description of Everton as a "small club" before rounding on him for the attitude he showed in dismissing Blackburn last weekend once Liverpool had scored their second goal at Anfield.
"Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said," said Ferguson.
"But arrogance is one thing. You cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed (Blackburn manager) Sam Allardyce last weekend.
"When Liverpool scored their second goal he signalled as if the game was finished. I do not think Sam deserved that.
"Sam has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers' Association) and he's had a weakened team. I just thought it showed contempt.