Neil Warnock continues to blame Rafa Benitez for Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League back in 2007. It all stems from Benitez playing a weakened Liverpool on the final day of the season at Craven Cottage. Fulham ended up winning 1-0 to avoid the drop, condemning Warnock's Blades to finish in the bottom three.
The two managers will meet again at Elland Road in the Capital One League Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, and the dreaded friendly pre-match handshake has received most of the headlines.
Benitez has admitted Warnock's claims of threatening a lawsuit--after the now Leeds manager consistently criticized his Spanish counterpart for what he deems unsporting behaviour. But, Benitez has confirmed he would be professional and shake Warnock's hand in the lead-up to the match, though, the friendly gesture seemingly won't be reciprocated.
Every manager should be allowed to field whatever side he feels will benefit his team, and since Liverpool at the time had already clinched a top four place in the league, and were preparing to face AC Milan in the 2007 Champions League final in Athens—it’s hard to point the finger at Benitez for his decision. Had Warnock managed to beat Wigan at Bramall Lane on the final day of the season, the Blades would have avoided the drop. The blame should be placed squarely on Warnock's shoulders for his team's shortcomings.
The time has come to squash the beef—enough time has passed for the ill-feelings to dissipate. Let's hope the two-managers can set a positive example and end the rather comical feud.
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