Benitez wins second manager award in a row

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has won his second successive Barclays Manager of the Month award.

Benitez’s Liverpool side maintained a 100% record throughout December to extend their winning Premiership run to 10 matches.

The European champions conceded just one goal as they beat Wigan, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Everton and West Brom in a month when they also reached the final of the Club World Championship.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football’s governing bodies, the media and fans.

The panel’s Nic Gault said: “If this form continues then the Anfield faithful will have plenty of reasons to paint the town red in 2006.

“Benitez’s achievement of back-to-back wins throughout November and December is a massive achievement.”

Benitez is the second successive back-to-back winner after Wigan’s Paul Jewell scooped the prize in September and October.

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney was the winner of the Player of the Month award.