Sir Alex Ferguson has had a Rafa-like moan at Rafa Benitez, accusing the Liverpool boss of treating Sam Allardyce 'with contempt'.

Benitez and Allardyce have shared a long-running feud that dates back to the Blackburn manager’s spell as Bolton boss.

However, the Spaniard’s reaction to Fernando Torres’ second goal in last weekend's 4-0 win, a gesture that seemed to signal ‘game over’, has prompted angry reactions from both Allardyce and Ferguson.

Speaking ahead of an FA Cup semi-final with Everton, Ferguson lost focus – much like Benitez did in his January rant – accusing the Liverpool boss of a lack of respect towards Allardyce.

"Arrogance is one thing. But you cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed Sam Allardyce last weekend,” Ferguson told Friday’s press conference.

"When Liverpool scored their second goal he signaled as if the game was finished. I do not think Sam deserved that.

"Sam has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers' Association) and he's had a weakened team. I just thought it showed contempt.

"In my experience no Liverpool manager has ever done that. It was beyond the pale."

As United try to prevent Liverpool chopping any further into their title lead, Ferguson also dragged up a previous spat between Benitez and Everton as he touched on a further example of Benitez 'arrogance'.

"Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said," added the United boss.