As we enter into the business end-of-the-season, the nerves begin to jitter some, and as usual the mind games start. Messrs Ferguson and Benitez have been throwing sly comments back and forth all season. But now, as usual, Fergie has upped the anti. He (Ferguson) spoke of Benitez’ ‘Arrogance’ towards fellow Premiership manager, Sam Allardyce, when after Liverpool scored the 2nd of the game, Benitez signalled that the game was over. Hardly, shocking or dragging another managers name through the mud is it? But this is Ferguson, this is his way, this is how he normally wins these mind games. With the Premiership betting stakes beginning to sear, this has now become the expected norm for a title challenge to Man U.

Manchester United, have really been stuttering as of late, their form is inconsistent, yet Fergie has managed to detract the media attention away from his players and onto this war-of-words with Benitez instead. Personally, I think he likes these little set-to’s he creates. He’s done it with Keegan, Wenger to an extent Mourhino and now Benitez.

So far, Benitez has let his assistant, Sammy Lee, do the responding, while he focuses on his team rather than get drawn into a war-of-words with Ferguson. But with 5 games to go you know it won’t end there. You know Ferguson will try and rile Benitez again and the next time you know Benitez will bite.