Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez today launched an astonishing attack on Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Spaniard claimed the Manchester United boss is "the only manager who will not be punished" for his outspoken criticism of referees.

Benitez also suggested that Chelsea should be wary when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday because United employees always try to intimidate match officials.

The Liverpool boss also told Ferguson to stop moaning about fixture problems and claimed the Merseysiders were not being shown any favouritism by the Premier League.

A win over Stoke tomorrow will see Benitez's team go six points clear of second-placed Chelsea and 10 ahead of the champions before they meet 24 hours later.

Benitez had clearly been wound-up over comments Ferguson made last week suggesting that Liverpool would make "mistakes" in the title run-in.

And even though the 48 year old was reading from a statement, his rant evoked memories of Kevin Keegan in 1996 when he erupted at the United boss before Newcastle lost a 12-point lead and the title.

Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the respect campaign. And I was very clear, we should forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith) Hackett.
“How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week.”

Ferguson has just served a two-match touchline ban following his row with referee Mike Dean after United's 4-3 Premier League win over Hull in November. But his criticism of Atkinson after United lost to Portsmouth in the FA Cup last season went unpunished.

Benitez added: “All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens.

“We need to know that I am talking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see.”

Ferguson's complaints about supposed favouritism over fixtures then prompted Benitez to say: “He is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.”

Benitez finished off by criticising the conduct of United officials when Liverpool play at Old Trafford.

He added: “We know what happens.They are always going man-to-man with the referees.”