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.

What do you think of the Game Section?
Any improvements you would make?

How sweet would it be to an already incredible season to win the league against ciddy at O.T?We have a long way to go and plenty of work to do but it would make up for the fixture last year which given the occasion was one of my most painful moments as a red??.

As a football fan I am really looking forward to this tie.
I still don't think anything this season will be better then Chelsea hammering the Bin Dippers in the Quarters but this tie could be just as good because Barcas defence is a bit dodgy, Drogba could run riot or Messi and co could murder Chelski.

anything could happen

Predictions?

Manchester United players dominate the nominees to be crowned PFA Players' Player of the Year, with five of the six contenders hailing from the current Premier League leaders.

Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo are in the hunt for the prize, with Steven Gerrard the only other player representing the rest of the Premier League.

United also provide two of the candidates for the PFA Young Player of the Year honour in Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva, with Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon the competition.