Rafa Benitez reveals why Sir Alex Ferguson was 'so worried about Liverpool' and insists the ex-Man United manager had 'a LOT of things' go his way

Rafa Benitez has opened up on why he thinks Sir Alex Ferguson was 'so worried about Liverpool' during his time in charge as manager, with the former Reds boss claiming the legendary Scottish boss had 'a lot of things' go his way.

During the Ferguson and Benitez era, United and Liverpool collided in some seismic Premier League bouts, with both sides challenging for superiority on a domestic and European level.

During the 2008-09 season, United and Liverpool would go toe-to-toe for the English league title, with Ferguson's side edging out their Merseyside rivals by four points.

Tempers between both managers and teams would come to the fore during that season, with Benitez tearing into Ferguson in a now iconic and brazen rant about 'facts'. 

During the press conference he insisted United were 'nervous' and that he 'didn't want to play mind games' but launched in to attack Ferguson, moaning he was the 'only' manager who could talk to referees about fixtures and get away with it.

The former Liverpool boss, who has now since gone to work at other top clubs including Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle, has now shed further light on his rivalry with Ferguson during his time at Anfield.

Reflecting on his explosive press conference, Benitez, speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, insisted that he was 'not cracking up' after Gary Neville claimed that the 'pressure had been getting to him.

'It's not possible and I'll tell you why,' he said on the podcast, before reflecting on when his side went on to beat Man United 4-1 at Old Trafford in 2009.

He said to Neville: 'We went to Old Trafford, and there was a boy with a father. He has a big banner, "Rafa is cracking up." And we beat Manchester United, 4-1.

Pointing at the former Man United defender, who missed the match due to injury, Benitez added: 'You were cracking up, because Sir Alex Ferguson was so worried about us, that he was using everything he has in his book to create [that environment].

'When we were ahead [in the League] you had two games in hand, because you played in the Club World Cup. Then you came back and you won the games and obviously, you were doing well.

'Cracking up, I was joking, because the last 11 games we drew one against Arsenal 4-4 at home, and we won ten. So, we were not cracking up – you had extra time, and then you play seven minutes extra and you score against Aston Villa with [Federico] Macheda.'

Following their win at Old Trafford in March, 2009, Liverpool would only drop points to Arsenal, notably also scoring 15 goals in their final five games, while conceding just two.

Benitez subsequently took aim at Ferguson again on the podcast, claiming that the legendary Man United boss had 'a lot of things go his way'.

'We played four games after the international break and Champions League games,' he continued, speaking to the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet.

'We play four games at home, and eight games away. Manchester United were playing eight games at home, even on Sunday – and four games away. Why? Ferguson was complaining about: "Oh we played the second part of the league against the top sides at home." 

'Yeah, everybody wants to play at home for the second part of the league! So, he was complaining. And then I say: "Oh you can't decide the fixtures, you cannot decide what you want".

On his explosive press conference, Benitez added that he had to stand up for his team.

'But we were playing four games away, 12.45pm kick-off. And I have to defend my club, and the only way for us - because I could see that you were progressing - and the way the games were going on with things like extra-time,' he said.

'A lot of things, and another one, the handball of Rio Ferdinand and it was given as a corner – anyway – I could see it happening.

'Then I said, the only chance that we have is if you lose against Chelsea at home. Then I was analysing the fixtures, this is the game. So, I wanted to be sure there was a level playing field game, and everybody will be focused on that, and anything strange can happen. The problem is that you won 2-0, because they fired [Luiz Felipe] Scolari later and you were better or whatever.'