Friday, 23rd November, 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a swipe at new Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez, calling him "lucky".

Ferguson had repeated run-ins with the Spaniard during his time in charge at Liverpool, when Benitez famously used a press conference to state a number of "facts" which he felt proved that the Manchester United manager receives preferable treatment from English football’s governing bodies.



Now the 70-year-old Red Devils’ boss has hit out at Benitez, pointing out that the Spaniard will have the chance to win the FIFA Club World Cup next month having just taken over at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson also implied that despite Benitez taking charge at Inter in the summer of 2010 and then winning the FIFA Club World Cup with the Nerazzurri in December, the success should not be attributed to him, in the same way Chelsea’s should not if he can guide the Blues to lifting the trophy.

"Of course, Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks’ time he could have two world club titles to his name [he won one with Inter] and had nothing to do with the teams", Ferguson told his club’s official site.

"Jose Mourinho won the Treble at Inter; Rafa took over and they won the world title without having to do anything.

"He had nothing to do with the construction of the teams – that’s why I really feel disappointment for Roberto [Di Matteo] – he could have an FA Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup on his CV. It’s a pity for him."

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Benitez will now hope he has the weapons at Chelsea to guide the Blues to the Premier League title this season, going toe-to-toe with Ferguson’s Manchester United.

It seems clear there is little love lost between the pair, which will undoubtedly make for a spectacular occasion when Chelsea travel to Old Trafford in May, for what could potentially be a title decider.

Chelsea are due to meet Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Don’t bet on it before reading our betting preview.

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