Rafa Benitez is aware his angry listing of "facts" about Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson's role in the game, will hang over their weekend meeting. However, the Liverpool boss said: "It was the right time to say what I said. They were facts, it was the right moment.

"I do not regret saying anything, and it did not have any effect on results.

"It had no effect on us hitting the post in the last minute at Stoke, it had no influence on them winning their games in hand.

"I have not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson since, I do not expect any response from him and I do have great respect for him as a manager.

"I do not believe that my remarks, facts not comments, has had any effect on the title race.