Sir Alex Ferguson immediately renewed his rabid rivalry with Rafael Benitez today, calling him a "very lucky" manager who may win the World Club Championship twice without deserving either title.
Ferguson, who famously questioned the Spaniard's state of mind as his Liverpool side ran United close for the title in 2009, said Benitez had not come close to Jose Mourinho's treble, which included the 2010 Champions League title, but wound up winning the World Club Championship when he took over at San Siro and beat TP Mazembe of the Congo to clinch that title in December 2010.
Benitez will take Chelsea to the same championships in Japan, next month, with Ferguson expressing disappointment that Roberto Di Matteo had been dismissed this week - and Benitez appointed.
He said: "Everyone feels for Roberto Di Matteo and quite rightly. It's quite amazing that you win the FA Cup and the Champions League. The biggest disappointment for me is that in two weeks time they go to the World Championships.
"You'd think that they would give the guy the chance to win a World Championship. Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks time he could have two World Championships to his name - and nothing to do with the teams.
"Jose Mourinho won the treble after going to Milan. He took over and won a World Championship without having to do anything. He had nothing to do with the construction of the teams and that's where I feel real disappointment for Roberto Di Matteo.
"He could really have on his CV an FA Cup, a Champions League and a World Club Championship. It's a pity for him."
Ferguson has won the world title once - in 2008 but his United failed disastrously in 1999.
Ferguson, who welcomes a beleaguered Mark Hughes and QPR to Old Trafford tomorrow, said that the title race was by no means limited to the two Manchester clubs. "A few weeks ago we were looking at a three-horse race (for the title). I don't think that's out of the question yet," he said.
