Rafael Benitez v Alex Ferguson: The facts about their relationship

A look at the falling out between the Manchester United manager and his Spanish adversary

After reaching a ferocious boiling point when Rafael Benitez accused Sir Alex Ferguson of influencing referees and footballing authorities in his famous “facts” speech in 2009, the relationship which has since been slowly simmering away between the two managers once again erupted in front of our very eyes yesterday.

Chelsea's interim manager fuelled his rivalry with Ferguson by failing to shake his counterparts hand after his sides 2-2 FA Cup quarter-final draw with Manchester United, a game which saw the Spaniard's side come from two goals down at the break.

Despite claiming that the Scot had failed to embrace him before the tie and that he wanted to celebrate with his players after their impressive comeback, this is not the first time that the relationship between the two has hit the headlines.

Benitez's time at Liverpool was soured by his constant arguments with bitter rivals United. This seemed strange when you consider the two were close when Rafa lead his Liverpool side to the Champions League trophy after their famous victory over AC Milan.

Here, we look through the downfall of the Rafa-Fergie relationship...

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