Sir Alex Ferguson hits out again at ‘arrogant’ Rafa Benitez for Everton slur

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The Manchester United boss labelled Benitez "arrogant" for describing Everton as a small club in 2007.

And Ferguson accused Benitez of showing contempt towards Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce during Liverpool's 4-0 victory at Anfield last Saturday.
"He called them [Everton] a small club which points to his arrogance," said Ferguson, whose side play Everton in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

"They are a big club and David Moyes is doing a great job."

Ferguson also claimed Benitez had been disrespectful to Allardyce at Anfield. Liverpool cruised to an easy 4-0 victory, with Fernando Torres scoring two goals, to keep up the pressure on United at the top of the table. But Ferguson was infuriated by Benitez for making a signal with his arms indicating the game was over after Torres had scored Liverpool's second goal in the
33rd minute.

"I don't think Sam Allardyce deserved that," added Ferguson. "I don't think any other Liverpool manager would have done that. That kind of contempt. . . it's beyond the pale."

Ferguson and Benitez have been at loggerheads since Liverpool's Spanish manager accused his United counterpart of being a whinger in January.

The United manager immediately hit back by accusing Benitez of allowing the pressure of the title race to get to him.

In contrast, Ferguson insisted he had nothing but respect for Moyes.

And he has warned his players not to underestimate the challenge that awaits them at Wembley on Sunday.

"My problem on Sunday is that we are facing a hungry team," added Ferguson. "We have got to make sure we are on top."