Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez says Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a gang of Premier League coaches working for him in bullying the likes Rafa Benitez.

He also insisted the FA are terrified of Fergie's power over the Premier League.

Martinez said: "Ferguson has his group of loyalists among other coaches - Steve Bruce, his ex-player, and Sam Allardyce, who thinks he will be his successor, among others.

"On the other hand, there is only Benitez and they throw sticks at him from all sides."

Liverpool chief Benitez caused a storm last season by accusing Manchester United boss Ferguson of having too much power and getting away with too much with the FA.

And Martinez reckons fellow Spaniard Benitez' criticism was spot-on.

Fergie is currently sweating over an FA hearing into comments he made accusing ref Alan Wiley of not being fit enough.

Asked if he reckons Fergie DOES have too much power, Martinez added: "Yes, a lot.

"The FA have charged him for saying a referee was not physically up to scratch.

"The reality is they have almost begged his forgiveness for doing so. Anyone else, they'd have crushed."