Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has taken another swipe at Manchester United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Benitez said: "I'm not having a battle of words with Alex Ferguson, but I believe that he can see that we are the better side, and that we are very close to United.

"He has been accustomed to playing these types of mind games for many years.

"Nobody has ever said anything against him, or stood up to him, as he has a very good team that can win trophies.

"It seems like he has a licence to do these sorts of things."

Benitez, who recently signed a contract extension until 2014, also declared his intention to sign more Spanish players during the summer.

"I try not to talk too much," he told Spanish daily ABC. "But all I do when I speak is to defend my own team.

"I did not say that he seems frightened. But I said that he looks nervous, as he can see that we are very close to his team."