Rafa’s frustration over harsh penalty decision

(GSM) – Rafa Benitez accused Sir Alex Ferguson of trying to influence referee Howard Webb as Manchester United stormed to the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool were leading 1-0 after a superb headed goal from Fernando Torres but United hit back when Antonio Valencia went to ground in the penalty area after a challenge seemingly outside the box from Javier Mascherano.

Despite seeing his first effort saved, Wayne Rooney fired home the rebound and they took the three points when Ji-Sung Park made it 2-1 on the hour mark.

Torres almost claimed a point for the Reds in the closing stages but he failed convert as a goal.

“It was a tight game and very close and we had a really good chance at the end for Fernando and Yossi,” Benitez told press conference.

He couldn’t hide his frustration, “We are disappointed. We didn’t create too many chances but I felt we were always dangerous and in these games small details can make a big difference.”

He hailed Torres’s fantastic effort, “We made a great start and Fernando scored a very good goal but I felt we conceded too early. The penalty was the turning point for them and it made a big difference.”

“We were playing well and we had confidence and one situation changed everything. We are disappointed but you cannot change these things. Sometimes they go your way but this season more than we expected things have gone against us,” he explained with frustration.

He was still confused about controversial penalty decision, “From the bench I asked the TV people who told me the challenge was inside the box so it was a penalty. Watching the replay myself there is a lot of doubt in my mind. It’s not clear as there was some contact outside the box but it was disappointing.”

United are four points clear of third-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand, after they could only manage a 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Sunday.