The Spaniard, who had earlier accused Ferguson of being able to get away with attacking referees, believes the Scot is "nervous and scared" of the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Liverpool are now four points clear of Chelsea following the 0-0 draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Benitez said: "In 20 years nobody could say these things but maybe a lot of people are thinking the same as me. I do not regret saying it.

"I can guarantee a lot of people have sent a lot of messages, not to me but to our staff and a lot of people in Liverpool. It is one person saying what everyone wants to say.

"But I was not thinking about what people think, I was thinking about my club and Mr Ferguson's comments on Liverpool this season. You can understand why."

Asked if he thought Ferguson was nervous, Benitez responded: "Clearly", before adding: "Maybe he is a little bit scared."

United face Chelsea tomorrow and a draw would suit Benitez, who will watch the match from the comfort of his armchair.

"I cannot change the game so I will stay at home, watch it on television and enjoy," he said.

"It is clear both cannot win. We will see what happens. A draw could be a perfect result.

"I know him (Ferguson) for five years now and people are saying he is playing mind games. I think it is too early.

"He is talking too much about Liverpool. He has to think about his own team, the problems they have and all the things they are doing."

Steven Gerrard twice came close to sealing victory for Liverpool in the last five minutes at Stoke but both efforts from the visiting captain hit the woodwork.

Benitez admitted Stoke had given his team problems.

He said: "We started the game really well and in the first 20-25 minutes we had a lot of possession.

"After that we gave them belief and hope with free-kicks and corners. The second half was 50-50.

"These kinds of games are difficult against a team that is working hard and getting players behind the ball.

"It is not easy to find space and create too many opportunities. But it is one more point, we are still at the top of the table and in a fantastic position."

mfl

Stoke manager Tony Pulis saw his team climb out of the bottom three.

The point lifted Stoke to 17th, above Tottenham.

However with just five points separating the teams from 11th to 20th in the top flight, Pulis knows there is plenty of work ahead.

He said: "We're very pleased that so many clubs are involved.

"It makes it really exciting for everybody else."

Pulis also steered his team to a goalless draw at Anfield earlier in the season, and he was delighted to take another point against Benitez's team.

He told Setanta Sports 1: "I'm very, very pleased with the players. The effort and commitment was first class, and we created quite a few good chances as well."

Pulis has little doubt Liverpool will have a huge part to play in the title race, despite his team's unbeaten record against the Reds this season.

"Liverpool are a great side, they have got some great players and it's a great football club," he said.

"They're in the best position they possibly could be. I'm sure Rafa will be pleased to push on from here."