Rafa Benitez claims 'lucky' Man United were the ones CRACKING UP—not him

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United during the Benitez and Ferguson era was marked by some of the most heated encounters in Premier League history.

The 2008-09 season was particularly intense, with both teams going head-to-head in the race for the league title. Ferguson's United ultimately secured the championship, finishing four points ahead of Liverpool.

Now, some 15 years later, Rafa Benitez has opened up on his fierce rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson, revealing the reasons behind Ferguson's concerns about Liverpool during their intense Premier League battles.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Benitez revisited his infamous 2009 press conference rant, claiming that the legendary Manchester United manager had "a lot of things" go his way during their time in charge.

Infamous "facts" press conference

Tensions between the two managers reached boiling point during that season. In a now-iconic press conference, Benitez launched a scathing attack on Ferguson, accusing him of manipulating referees and fixtures to United's advantage.

"United were nervous," Benitez said at the time, adding that Ferguson was the only manager who could "talk to referees about fixtures and get away with it."

Reflecting on this moment years later, Benitez addressed claims that he was "cracking up" under the pressure, a suggestion made by former United defender Gary Neville.

Benitez refuted this, recounting Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in March 2009.

"We beat Manchester United 4-1," Benitez reminded Neville, who missed the match due to injury.

"You were cracking up, because Sir Alex Ferguson was so worried about us that he was using everything in his book to create [that environment]."

'Fergie time'

Despite their emphatic win at Old Trafford, Liverpool's title challenge that year faltered as United capitalised on their games in hand, following their participation in the Club World Cup.

Benitez highlighted how Liverpool performed strongly in their final matches, dropping points only against Arsenal, yet Ferguson's side managed to stay ahead, aided by what Benitez described as "extra time" and other advantages.

Benitez didn't hold back in his assessment of Ferguson's influence, claiming that the United manager benefited from favourable scheduling.

"We played four games at home and eight away," Benitez said, contrasting this with United's run of eight home games in the latter part of the season.

"Ferguson was complaining about playing top sides at home in the second half of the season – everyone wants that! But I had to defend my club."

The former Liverpool manager also pointed out specific incidents where he felt decisions went in United's favour, including a controversial handball by Rio Ferdinand that was ruled as a corner instead of a penalty. Despite these frustrations, Benitez maintained that his press conference was a necessary move to protect his team’s interests during a critical point in the season.

Ultimately, Benitez's Liverpool fell short, with United clinching the title after a decisive win over Chelsea.

Reflecting on that period, Benitez emphasised the challenges his side faced, including financial constraints, and the factors that, in his view, tilted the balance in United's favour.

Nonetheless, his remarks on the podcast suggest that the rivalry between the two clubs and managers remains as intense as ever, even years after the events transpired.