Rafa stokes Ferguson fires

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stoked the fires ahead of Sunday's battle between the Anfield giants and Manchester United. Benitez believes that Ferguson has attempted to manipulate Steve Bennett prior to the game at Old Trafford.

"Ferguson is clever, that is clear," Benitez said. "After a difficult game, he was talking about referees and before an important game (against Liverpool) he is talking about protecting Ronaldo.

"The referees, though, have experience and they will know Ferguson. This kind of treatment must be the same for all the teams and all the players.

"I wasn't surprised last week to hear what he was saying. I just want to go into the game with the same situation as the other team.

"I think the referee has experience and is strong enough so I don't see it being a problem.

"I don't know what he was thinking about exactly, but if you need to protect Ronaldo, you also need to protect (Fernando) Torres and (Steven) Gerrard and all the skilful players in the league."