The Liverpool boss launched a staggering attack yesterday on the conduct of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson towards referees and footballing authority.

And in the Anfield manager's outburst, he was critical of what he claimed was intimidation of officials in matches at Old Trafford.

Liverpool could be 10 points ahead of United by the time the champions and Chelsea clash if the current league leaders win at Stoke this evening.

But with the big Old Trafford crunch just 24 hours away, Benitez's comments about how he feels United behave towards referees was pointedly aimed at Chelsea chief Scolari.

Benitez said: "We know what happens when we go to Old Trafford. Mr Scolari maybe needs to know to use zonal marking against the staff of United because they are always using man to man with the referees when they go to the bench.

"And especially at half-time when they are walking close to the referees and talking and talking and talking.

"All the managers need to know, only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures and the referees--nothing will happen. I think we need to know about this. We are talking about facts, we are not talking about my impression. Everybody can see this every single week."

Benitez's initial outburst was prompted by Ferguson's complaints the fixture schedule is unhelpful towards his side.

Benitez, who will have Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio back from injury at the Britannia Stadium, also claims Ferguson gets away with being critical of referees and officials without being charged by the FA.

What is clear now is that the gloves are well and truly off in the battle for the title, with Benitez prepared to fight Liverpool's corner against the expected mind games from Ferguson.

Benitez's long list of complaints about the world and European champions was not an angry rant. It was a measured, controlled delivery.

Ferguson's complaints about supposed favouritism over fixtures prompted Benitez to say: "I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they are nervous because we are at the top of the table.

"But I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start."

Benitez was particularly annoyed about what he sees as the United boss getting away with attacks on referees that would not be tolerated from other managers.

He said: "Are they under pressure? Maybe they were not thinking that we would be at the top of the table in January. But we are at the top of the table and they are nervous.

"I am not telling the authorities what to do. But I have been here for five years and know how things are going on. I will be watching United's game with Chelsea!

"But if we stay at the top maybe they will talk about us right to the end.

"To hear someone talking when he has problems with referees every single week, and now complaining about the fixtures and complaining about everything, I think that is not fair.

"You can see every week how they put (referees) under pressure, we know this. We have seen it before.

"On the complaint about fixtures, maybe Mr Ferguson could organise them from his office and send it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple."