Benitez worried Man Utd will splash Ronaldo cash

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said on Tuesday he fears Manchester United will use the war chest from the Cristiano Ronaldo mega-transfer to make the Premier League champions even stronger.

“I am sure they will have money and they will buy some players,” Benitez said, with United profiting from Ronaldo’s record-shattering move of 80 million pounds (131 million dollars) to Real Madrid.

But Benitez hopes that Liverpool, runners-up last season, can close the gap with new signing Glen Johnson providing the missing link.

“We have to be strong next season — we have improved with Glen and hopefully we can do a little bit better and that will be enough,” said Benitez, who signed the England full-back from Portsmouth for 17 million pounds.

Johnson agreed with his new boss that Liverpool could end their title drought in the coming season.

“Liverpool are right up there with the world’s best. They showed that last season. A few minor errors can be cut out and that will lead to massive improvements,” he said

“My early days at Liverpool have been fantastic. Everyone has been good to me and I think I am settling in fast.”

Benitez does not often see eye to eye with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and he dismissed suggestions by his rival that free-spending Manchester City would not pose a threat next season.

“I think every club now is trying to improve and Manchester City is one of them,” he said. “I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contending but I cannot say too much on the other teams.”

Benitez refused to take questions on the future of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is being chased by Real Madrid to join Ronaldo and Brazil’s Kaka in a new line-up of Galacticos.

Alonso arrived with the squad for an exhibition match against Thailand taking place Wednesday night, and Liverpool’s local supporters have left him in no doubt that they want him to remain at Anfield.

During a promotional event Tuesday at a Bangkok shopping mall, more than 250 fans chanted his name and waved banners reading “Alonso Please Stay”. He acknowledged the fans but made no comment about the transfer talk.

Liverpool have made a slow start in their pre-season games, drawing 0-0 with Swiss club St Gallen and losing 1-0 to Rapid Vienna.

After the match with Thailand, who are coached by former England international Peter Reid, Liverpool will take on the Singapore national team on Sunday.