Liverpool ace Fernando Torres insists Rafa Benitez's rant against Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has the full backing of his players.

"The manager is as good and strong as Ferguson and he thinks he had to say these things," said Torres.

"I don't know why but he has his reasons. He has all our support and we are with him all the way.

"I don't know whether United are favoured by referees and other things. If you win the Premier League you deserve to win it. It is difficult. But he has been here six years and he feels these things.

"It is inspiring to see your manager take the fight to Manchester United. The manager can compete with anyone. He has proved that in Spain.

"He won the league with Valencia from Barcelona and Real Madrid. He has what it takes and now he is enjoying it here. Liverpool is a massive club and he wants to win.

"Rafa is more English than Spanish. He learns a lot every day. There is rivalry between United and Liverpool and we are ready with him."