The Liverpool manager launched a furious broadside at Ferguson on Friday and followed up with another attack after his side's goalless draw at Stoke last night.

Benitez feels Ferguson's behaviour is not good enough and claims that the Manchester United chief benefits from favourable treatment by the FA.

In addition, Benitez attacked Ferguson's complaints over the fixture list, which consigned United to away games against all their main rivals during the opening half of the season.

United have been staggered by the Spaniard's unprovoked assault, which they do not believe has any basis in fact.

By his own standards, Ferguson's response has been restrained.

However, he does feel when Benitez reflects on his conduct he will see a mistake has been made.

"There was a lot of venom in what he has said," responded Ferguson.

"I don't understand where it has come from.

"He is obviously disturbed about something. When he reflects on it he must realise what a ridiculous thing he is saying.

"But I don't want to say anything else because all I want to do is keep my focus on my team."

However, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher defended his manager.

The former England star backed Benitez's theory that most of football shares his manager's opinion.

"It looked like something that has been bothering Rafa for a while," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"It is something that people have always said in football, that the big teams get the decisions. Sometimes in the past Rafa felt that maybe they have had a few decisions especially at Old Trafford.

"Over the years the bigger teams get more decisions, so maybe there is a bit more pressure put on referees.

"As he said, they are all facts."