Rafael Benitez might have got the better of Sir Alex Ferguson last weekend, when Liverpool went t oOld Trafford and resoundingly beat Manchester United 4-1, but the Scot has taken a snipe at the Spaniard by refuting Benitez's claim that Ferguson has spent more on transfers.

Benitez said last week that Ferguson had spent £100million more on players than he had, but the United boss was far from convinced and instructed his staff to calculate  each manager's spending since Benitez took charge at Anfield five years ago.

According to United's figures, Benitez has spent £24 million more than Ferguson - and the Scot expects his Liverpool adversary to outspend him again significantly this summer.

Ferguson is quoted by ITV Sport as saying,  "I was amazed at that one. I got some of the people in the sports technology department to check that out.

"He's well ahead of us in spending in the last five years.

"He said our spending power is more than theirs but he has spent £24 million more than we have.

"I think you will see Rafa producing an absolute spending spree [this summer], I think that's an absolute certainty now he has signed a new contract.

"There's talk about a recession but I don't think there will be one at Liverpool this year."

ITV Sport calculate that in terms of net spending - taking into account income from player sales - the clubs are roughly equal. Liverpool's net spending on players over the last five years is £82.5 million, while United's has been £85.5 million. Chelsea spent £154.8 million net on players over the same period, while Arsenal splashed just £3.4 million in net terms.

Ferguson also claimed that while his policy involved developing home-grown talent through United's youth system, as well as signing established stars, Benitez was more focused on bringing in established players.

He said: "There's a balance - we have signed 18 players in the last five years and eight of those have been young players. There's a balance, it's about doing the thing correctly."

Mark Hinton, Goal.com

line up prediction



later Ronaldo switch place with Park, Berba sub in Tevez, Giggs come in for Carrick. Maybe Evra will give way to Fabio.

Hargreaves still out?

offtopic..

is there any game live on astro b4 man utd's game (11pm)??

Portsmouth v Everton 8.45pm ESPN

MUTV:

VDS

O'Shea
Ferdinand
Evans
Evra

Fletcher
Scholes
Giggs
Park

Ronaldo
Berbatov