London, Jan. 12 : Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez's claims that he is the only manager allowed to criticize referees.

Describing the charge as ''ridiculous', Fergie labelled the Liverpool manager ''angry' and ''disturbed'.

According to The Telegraph, the war of words between the pair escalated after Fergie spoke about his side's 3-0 demolition of Chelsea on Sunday evening.

The result takes United to within five points of the league leaders, with two games, both at Old Trafford, in hand. By the time Liverpool take to the field against Everton a week today, United could well be top.

Ferguson said: "I think you have to cut through the venom of it all. Hopefully he'll reflect on what he's said and understand that, well, it was ridiculous.

"He was obviously a very angry man and he's been disturbed by something or other it," he added. (ANI)