The feud abides: A history of hissy fits between Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez

11 Mar 2013 15:17

Refusing to shake hands was only the latest in a long line of disputes between the Chelsea and United bosses...

Sir Alex Ferguson has never shied away from holding a grudge - just ask the BBC, Coolmore Mafia or any number of officials, managers and players - but his ongoing feud with Chelsea 'interim' manager Rafa Benitez has been one of the most amusing.
The Blues boss claimed Fergie 'lacked education' for snubbing his handshake following Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford . However, this is just the latest chapter in what is fast becoming a bursting at the seams dossier of disagreements.
MirrorFootball takes you through a history of hissy fits between the two...           

Best of enemies: Ferguson and Benitez share a touchline...but little else

Alex Livesey

  January 2009
It all started with Benitez's now infamous 'FACTS!' outburst during a pre-match press conference at Anfield. Armed with a crib sheet (possibly titled Reasons Why I Get Wound Up By Fergie ), the most hated man in the Kings Road read out a series of accusations concerning the Old Trafford boss' conduct with referees.
"I want to talk about facts," said Benitez.
"He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things. All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees - and nothing happens."
January  2009
Three days later, Ferguson responded - in a more concise fashion that negated the need for notes - by labelling Benitez an 'angry man', and calling his rant 'absolutely ridiculous'.
March 2009
And, the red-faced one wasn't finished there as he referred back to what commonly became known as 'Rafa's rant' by saying: "I would need to read more of Freud before I could understand all that went on in [Benitez's] head."
Benitez took mind games to a new level by responding: "I read about Freud when I was at school and university."

Mind games: Fergie claimed he needed to study Freud to understand Benitez

Getty

  April 2009
The portly part-time waiter was soon realising that it may not have been the best idea to upset Fergie - who leaped at an uninvited opportunity to defend his fellow managers by accusing Benitez of 'arrogance' for calling Everton 'a small cloob' and of 'showing contempt' for making a 'game over' gesture during a match against Sam Allardyce's Blackburn.
You could say that Big Sam and the wild-eyed David Moyes are the last managers in need of protection.
May 2009
By now the grapes had soured to the taste of the cheapest newsagent wine and Benitez refused to personally congratulate Ferguson on winning another Premier League title. "I have had normally to be polite and respect the other manager at the end of the season," said Benitez.
"He has said a lot of things that I didn't like. I say congratulations to Manchester United because they have won and that's it."
November 2012
Things simmered down after Benitez left Liverpool and spent some time out of the country but no sooner had he returned at Stamford Bridge than Fergie decided to raise the temperature to boiling point again.
In a statement designed to belittle the achievements of his former sparring partner, the United boss claimed Benitez was 'lucky' to get the Chelsea job - which, in hindsight, couldn't have been further to the truth.
"On his CV he could have two world championships and nothing to do with the construction of the teams," said Ferguson.
"Rafael Benitez is very lucky. Jose Mourinho won the treble at Inter; Rafa took over and they won the world title without having to do anything."
Calling on every ounce of his dignity, Benitez hit back by saying: "I like to respect people, but sometimes I cannot because they push you."

Don't mess! Ferguson doesn't usually hold back when it comes to a row

John Peters

  January 2013
Dignity was soon lost when Benitez couldn't help himself from basically saying 'I told you so' by claiming Ferguson's anger at referee Simon Beck's failure to award United a penalty against Tottenham confirmed his previous point about influencing officials.
"Maybe now a lot of people are seeing the same things," said Benitez no doubt trying to stifle a smug smile.
"I will not talk too much about that because it's obvious."
Ferguson refused to rise to the bait, saying: "I am not bothered what Rafa says to be honest. I have more on my mind."
March 2013
Continuing his new ploy of treating Benitez as nothing more irritating that an occasional fly, Ferguson - master of the subtle dig - refused to berate Benitez ahead of yesterday's FA Cup clash, instead saying: "I'm not going to kick anyone when they're lying down - it's not my style."
Mar 2013
Which brings us back to the latest issue involving a handshake that never was with Benitez complaining: "It was up to him.
"I was waiting at the beginning. I was in the way and he [walked straight past]. Ask him if you are brave enough. I was ready and waiting. I have some impatience."
That may be the case Rafa, but this is one feud we'll never tire of.  ---------------- Mirror Football