Fergie looking to eclipse Pool

Alex Ferguson has claimed 'the chase is on' with Liverpool to be England's number one.

Liverpool currently lead the way with 18 titles but Manchester United are just two behind, having registered nine Premier League successes since the Merseysiders last finished top in 1990.

The north-west giants do battle again at Anfield tomorrow, with many Liverpool fans fearing defeat to their fiercest rivals will scupper any hopes of preventing their current drought being extended to 18 years, leaving the door open for United to go just one behind in the overall standings.

'We have won the FA Cup more times than anyone and we get a certain pride out of that,' said Ferguson.

'At this moment, Liverpool have won the title more times than anyone, and they will be proud of that.

'The chase is on, and always will be, to be the number one in the country.

'For both of us there is an expectation and I hope, before I leave, we can get to the number Liverpool have reached.'

Ferguson is genuinely surprised at the length of time that has elapsed since Liverpool last won a title, which came during Kenny Dalglish's stint as manager.

Benitez is the fourth man to try to emulate Dalglish, following Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.

Although, by modern standards, it is hardly a long list, Ferguson's enduring presence throughout that time makes it seem that way.

'When I look at the overall position I don't know what's happened,' he said.

'But I do know there is an emotional importance to Liverpool changing their manager.

'They haven't always done it but it has happened quite regularly over the past few years.'

Although Arsenal and, latterly, Chelsea have been the biggest threat to United's domestic dominance over the past decade and a half, Ferguson has no hesitation in naming Liverpool as United's biggest rivals.

And the Scot accepts there is something unique about a trip to Anfield which really stirs the blood.

'No matter what position the two clubs are in, this game is separate from anything else,' he said.

'You have the geography, the history of the clubs, the ability of the players, the competition, the passion and fervour of the fans. We both look upon the other as our main rival.

'Going to Anfield is fantastic. I love it. When I went there the first time there did not seem to be the intensity there is now. There is no game in the English calendar like it.'

Had it not been for Liverpool's superb Champions League triumph over Marseille in midweek, a fifth away win in six Premier League visits for United at Anfield could easily have marked the end of Rafael Benitez's time in charge.

A major bust-up between Benitez and Liverpool's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks has cast a major shadow over the Spaniard's time in charge.

The feud was in stark contrast to the smooth way United is run, with Ferguson reporting total satisfaction with the involvement of the Glazer family through chief executive David Gill.

'This club is run well,' said Ferguson. 'I have no issues at all. David Gill deals with the owners, who come over periodically. That is not a problem for me.

'Without question, David is the best chief executive we have ever had. He lets me know what is happening, so it is quite an easy situation.'