Alex knows Liverpool are better than United, says Benítez

[SystemBlueBob 0]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ap...ex-ferguson-row

Rafael Benítez has waded into another potential feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by mischievously suggesting that the Manchester United manager recognises that "Liverpool are the better side". The Spaniard, whose verbal exchanges with Ferguson have become a regular feature in this season's title race, also claimed that the United manager thinks he has a "licence" to play mind games with his rivals because he makes his remarks without fear of being challenged."I'm not having a battle of words with Alex Ferguson," Benítez said in an interview with his hometown newspaper, ABC. "But I believe that he can see that we are the better side, and that we are very close to United. He has been accustomed to playing these types of mind games for many years. Nobody has ever said anything against him, or stood up to him, as he has a very good team that can win ­trophies. It seems like he has a licence to do these sorts of things."

The Liverpool manager, whose side trail United by three points and have played a game more, has emphasised how important it is for his players to continue to believe that the Premier League title is not out of their reach despite Tuesday night's remarkable 4–4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield. "It is essential for us to try to keep the pressure on United," Benítez added. "We must not slacken off, and if we keep going that will make them feel under pressure."

In a move set to further antagonise Ferguson, Liverpool are rumoured to be among a host of clubs pursuing United's Argentine striker Carlos Tévez.

United, meanwhile, received some welcome news when it emerged that Wes Brown, who has not played since the end of January because of a foot injury, could be available for Tottenham's visit tomorrow to ease a potential injury crisis. Gary Neville and John O'Shea both limped off during the 2–0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Wednesday night and Ferguson anticipates that the duo will be forced to spend "the next few weeks" on the sidelines.

Brown reported no problems after playing an hour of a reserves game at Preston North End on Monday and last night he appeared for the first half of the reserves' 1–1 draw against Newcastle at Moss Lane. Should he suffer no reaction, it is likely the England international, who has started only five Premier League games this season,will be drafted into the squad for the Spurs game. "Wes is fine. He is training hard and should be OK for the weekend," said the United assistant manager, Mike Phelan.

The outlook for Neville and O'Shea is less clear. O'Shea hurt his ankle following a late tackle by Nadir Belhadj and was due to be assessed by United's medical staff yesterday, while Phelan admitted Neville was "struggling" after the full-back took a blow on the inside of the foot that required stitches.

One consolation for Ferguson is that Rio Ferdinand will be able to return to the side after sitting out the Portsmouth match as a precaution following his recent return from a groin injury.

United's win against Portsmouth was the third in succession in the Premier League following the back-to-back defeats that had threatened to derail their pursuit of an 18th league title. The first of those victories came in dramatic fashion after the teenage substitute Federico Macheda scored an injury-time winner against Aston Villa, a goal Michael Carrick believes was crucial in shifting the title race momentum from Anfield to Old Trafford.

"Sometimes in a season you get a feeling that one moment is going to make all the difference," said the England midfielder, who scored United's second goal on Wednesday night. "Aston Villa was one of them. It was a huge win. At that point people wouldn't have given us much hope. Getting a victory that day gave a massive lift to everyone and since then things have gone pretty well."

[Drogba11CFC 108]

Oh, grow up, you two.

[diskoviolente 425]

It´s getting emberassing for both sides

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Thats why United are 6 clear with a game in hand, Rafa.