Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallFear of future fuels Benitez’s bitterness
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson on winning Manchester United’s 18th Premier League title this weekend. Many angry words have been exchanged between the rivals this season – more than previous rivals in previous years – and the feuding is set to continue into next season.
But it is not just the present or the past that fuels Benitez’s frustration. It is a fear and trepidation of the future.
If Benitez had had the stomach to sit through any of United’s celebrations at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon he will have countered many emotions but one thing will have tortured him more than any other. United want more.
As Ferguson moved among his players after the final whistle there was plenty of back slapping and jubilation, but as the celebrations progressed their desire for further glory was evident. Their thirst for further titles was deepening with every touch of the trophy. The grins that adorned the faces of Rooney, Ronaldo and Ferdinand among others foretold further success.
Ferguson has accumulated a squad with the same insatiable appetite for glory that has driven his own career. But it is also a squad of huge talent and significant youth. With the likes of Danny Welbeck, the Da Silva brothers, Rooney, Jonny Evans and Federico Macheda United have a wealth of young talent to supplement any superstar signings Ferguson makes over the next few years. Even the potential loss of Cristiano Ronaldo appears manageable.
And to top it all of Ferguson shows no signs of relenting to the conventions of managerial life-spans. By surrounding himself by the likes of Rooney he is as sharp and determined as ever.
It is likely Benitez’s thoughts would have briefly swayed to next year’s title chase before Saturday’s coronation. He would have known United will have the quality and youth to retain their title once again next year. But what Saturday will have proved - and what is infuriating Benitez so much - is that the desire at Old Trafford is as ravenous as ever.
