Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 18 April 2009 - 1:23 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson stepped up the war of words with Rafael Benitez on Friday after slamming the Spaniard for being 'arrogant' during Liverpool's 4-0 win over Blackburn last week. Not for the first time, the Scot indulged in mind games in a bid to unsettle a title-chasing rival.In the past, even Gareth Southgate has been on the receiving end of Ferguson's scorn - and then there all the memorable duels with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
FERGUSON ON ARSENE WENGER
- As the 1996/97 Premier League title race reached its climax, Wenger claimed the fixture list favoured Ferguson's side.
Ferguson said: "He's a novice - he should keep his opinions to Japanese football. He doesn't know anything about English football. He is at a big club, well, Arsenal used to be a big club. He should keep his mouth shut - firmly shut."
- Ahead of the 'Battle of the Buffet' rematch in 2005, Ferguson recalled the events of the previous October, when United ended Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten run. The Scot launched a scathing attack on Wenger for his behaviour during 'Pizzagate'.
Ferguson said: "In the tunnel Wenger was criticising my players, calling them cheats, so I told him to leave them alone and behave himself.
"To not apologise for the behaviour of the players to another manager is unthinkable. It's a disgrace, but I don't expect Wenger to ever apologise, he's that type of person."
FERGUSON ON RAFAEL BENITEZ
- Prior to an away game at Stoke City, Benitez attacked Ferguson in his now infamous 'fact' rant.
Ferguson's response: "Hopefully he will reflect and understand what he said was ridiculous.
"I think he's an angry man - he's disturbed for some reason or another. The things he said are not facts."
- Benitez claimed Ferguson was 'scared' of Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside club's Champions League clash with Chelsea this month.
Ferguson said: "The interesting thing as far as Rafa Benitez is concerned is that he's got a European tie against Chelsea coming up and he is talking about Sir Alex Ferguson. Fantastic! I didn't know I was that important."
FERGUSON ON JOSE MOURINHO
- After Sheffield Utd were not awarded at penalty at Old Trafford towards the end of the 2006/07 season, Mourinho claimed United had preferential treatment from referees.
Ferguson responded: "I think Jose should button his lip now for good, for the rest of the season."
- The 'Special One' claimed, while still in charge of Chelsea, that Ronaldo had a 'difficult childhood' with 'no education'. His comments were made in 2007 when Mourinho said he was disappointed with Ronaldo's perceived conning of referees.
Ferguson: "It is really below the belt to bring class into it. What Ronaldo has are principles."
- When Mourinho suggested referees are scared to give penalties to opposing teams at Old Trafford, Ferguson attacked the Portuguese and said he pressurises people.
Ferguson: "He has accused Barcelona in the past, he's accused Swedish referee Anders Frisk, he put German ref Markus Merk under pressure the other night and he insulted Liverpool - a club with a great history.
"He suggested Liverpool were going to hunt Didier Drogba. Jesus Christ, he's gone on and on and on. It's a rant all the time now and that is disappointing."
FERGUSON ON KENNY DALGLISH
After a bad-tempered 3-3 draw at Anfield in 1988, Ferguson complained managers 'have to leave here choking on their own vomit - biting their tongue - afraid to tell the truth'. Dalglish was unimpressed, saying people 'would get more sense out of my six-week-old daughter Lauren'.
FERGUSON ON GARETH SOUTHGATE
- Following Manchester United's Premier League win over 'Boro in 2006, Southgate claimed Ronaldo was a cheat and dived to win a penalty as United won 2-1.
Ferguson said: "Gareth Southgate's very naive, of course. He's just a young manager. We'll have to give him a chance to settle."
FERGUSON ON SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON
- Ferguson reacts with fury to Eriksson's claim he will definitely take Wayne Rooney to the World Cup despite the striker's metatarsal injury.
Ferguson: "It is folly to suggest the boy could be out of the game for six weeks, then two weeks later go and play in the World Cup quarter-final."
- Reacting to the news that Sven was in line to replace the Scot at Old Trafford, Sir Alex reacts with venom.
Ferguson: "He would have been a nice easy choice for them [United's directors] as nothing really happens. He doesn't change anything. He sails along, nobody falls out with him."
FERGUSON ON KEEGAN - THE QUOTES THAT SPARKED 'I'LL LOVE IT' RANT
- Following a hard-fought win over 10-man Leeds [who played a large chunk of the game with defender Lucas Radebe in goal] Ferguson indulged in another round of mind games with Toon boss Keegan - whose side were due to face
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/18086/Sir_Alex_-_a_history_of_mind_games.aspxThe longest serving manager in the premiership has been at it for some time. He seems to be suffering from a rare disease called
He has refused to conduct himself with the dignity and respect that his age and long service requires. He has been abusive and condescending and also outrightly rude.
These are some of the attitudes of what we call a "Local Champion". He has been unable to test his ability as a good manager elsewhere because he is comfortable with being a local champion. He see the premiership as his personal turf and feels the need to be worshipped by ALL the other managers. Pity.
When you are the most elderly and longest serving ; but you do not conduct yourself with dignity and self-respect, you get tagged "A Big FOOL"
