Actions speak louder than words for Fergie

Alex Ferguson decided not to give full vent to his anger at Rafael Benitez’s amazing personal attack – for now the Manchester United boss is happy to let his team do the talking.

Should results go the Red Devils’ way following their clinical 3-0 destruction of Chelsea at Old Trafford yesterday, they will be top of the Premier League on Saturday night.

It is a position they might not relinquish either on the evidence of the past 48 hours, as Benitez starts to find out how hot it can get battling for a title.

“There was a lot of venom in what he has said,” reflected Ferguson.

“I don’t understand where it has come from.

“He is obviously disturbed about something. When he reflects on it he must realise what a ridiculous thing he is saying. But all I want to do is focus on my own team. If we can do that we have a big chance.”