Benitez ready to take on Ferguson; Manager ready to take on Ferguson.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

RAFAEL BENITEZ is ready to do battle with Sir Alex Ferguson once again after insisting his commitment to Liverpool has not been shaken by a lack of transfer funds.

The emergence of Liverpool - who begin their season at Spurs tomorrow - as strong contenders for the tile last season caused a deterioration in the relationship between Benitez and Ferguson.

And the United manager has already began stoking the flames by claiming Chelsea are the main threat this term.

But Benitez said: "I would like to win every game, so we will see how it affects the relationship. I want to win. If our fans are happy then I'm happy."

Asked if Ferguson was already up to his old tricks with the comment on Chelsea, Benitez added: "I have no idea. There are a lot of top sides that can be very, very strong.

"We can always talk about the top four, but Manchester City are doing a very good job and have bought some excellent players. They will be a big problem to us, but mainly to United, as they are their neighbours.

"I can understand why Mr Ferguson at Manchester United is a little bit worried."

Benitez's efforts to

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From Back Page overhaul United have been hampered by a tightening of the purse strings by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Close to pounds 37m has been spent on Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani, but that has been recouped by the sales of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sebastian Leto, Adam Hammill, Paul Anderson and Jack Hobbs.

"I don't know too many managers happy with the money that they have to spend," said the Spaniard. "There are two or three clubs around the world that have big, big money, but the rest of the managers I am sure will ask for more money.

"It is not impacting on my commitment. Always when you have some difficult, you have to work harder.

"We were doing a good job with the options that we had. We are happy with the additions, and if they can settle down quickly I will be really pleased because the rest of the squad is more or less the same."

Liverpool, who have lost only two of their last 27 opening league games, are being tipped by many this season to end a title drought that stretches back to 1990.

But Benitez said: "I don't feel any extra pressure because we haven't won anything for three seasons.

"We have to manage the expectations. We know the situation. If you talk about the title, everybody is saying that we have to win it this season. But I don't think so. We have to be realistic, we want to be in the top four and to be contenders."

Johnson will make his debut at White Hart Lane tomorrow, while Benitez is hopeful Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard will be fit.

Meanwhile, Mikel San Jose has joined Atletico Bilbao on a season-long loan .

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Anfield boss Rafael Benitez