Albion teach Benitez a lesson in dignity

RAFAEL BENITEZ has earned many admirers this season for the manner in which his team has regenerated interest in the quest for the Premier League title.

His ungracious refusal to congratulate Alex Ferguson directly for an 18th title, however, is unlikely to earn him any more.

The Spaniard has spent most of the season at the throat of his Old Trafford rival. The off-field sparring has been almost as spicy as the nine-month contest on the field and even in defeat, Benitez could not resist another dig.