Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed 'the chase is on' to be England's number one.
Liverpool currently lead the way with 18 titles but Manchester United are just two behind, having registered nine Premier League successes since the Merseysiders last finished top in 1990.
The north-west giants do battle again at Anfield tomorrow, with many Liverpool fans fearing defeat to their fiercest rivals will scupper any hopes of preventing their current drought being extended to 18 years, leaving the door open for United to go just one behind in the overall standings.
"We have won the FA Cup more times than anyone and we get a certain pride out of that," said Ferguson.
"At this moment, Liverpool have won the title more times than anyone, and they will be proud of that.
"The chase is on, and always will be, to be the number one in the country.
"For both of us there is an expectation and I hope, before I leave, we can get to the number Liverpool have reached."
Ferguson is genuinely surprised at the length of time that has elapsed since Liverpool last won a title, which came during Kenny Dalglish's stint as manager.
Benitez is the fourth man to try to emulate Dalglish, following Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.
Although, by modern standards, it is hardly a long list, Ferguson's enduring presence throughout that time makes it seem that way.
"When I look at the overall position I don't know what's happened," he said.
"But I do know there is an emotional importance to Liverpool changing their manager.
"They haven't always done it but it has happened quite regularly over the past few years."
Although Arsenal and, latterly, Chelsea have been the biggest threat to United's domestic dominance over the past decade and a half, Ferguson has no hesitation in naming Liverpool as United's biggest rivals.
And the Scot accepts there is something unique about a trip to Anfield which really stirs the blood.
"No matter what position the two clubs are in, this game is separate from anything else," he said.
"You have the geography, the history of the clubs, the ability of the players, the competition, the passion and fervour of the fans.
"We both look upon the other as our main rival.
"Going to Anfield is fantastic. I love it. When I went there the first time there did not seem to be the intensity there is now. There is no game in the English calendar like it."
Had it not been for Liverpool's superb Champions League triumph over Marseille in midweek, a fifth away win in six Premier League visits for United at Anfield could easily have marked the end of Rafael Benitez's time in charge.
A major bust-up between Benitez and Liverpool's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks has cast a major shadow over the Spaniard's time in charge.
The feud was in stark contrast to the smooth way United is run, with Ferguson reporting total satisfaction with the involvement of the Glazer family through chief executive David Gill.
"This club is run well," said Ferguson. "I have no issues at all.
"David Gill deals with the owners, who come over periodically. That is not a problem for me.
"Without question, David is the best chief executive we have ever had. He lets me know what is happening, so it is quite an easy situation."
Rafa says squad is ready to run
Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool are poised to make a title challenge because of their forward thinking.
The Spanish boss spent a club record £26.5million in the summer to bring Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.
Torres could hardly have wished for a better scoring start in England and aims to improve on his 12-goal tally against Manchester United at Anfield tomorrow.
He is forming a fine partnership with Holland's Dirk Kuyt - the duo both scored in the crucial Champions League drubbing of Marseille in France in midweek.
Benitez can also call on Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin, not to mention Harry Kewell, who is full of running again after concerns about his form and fitness.
"We have more options up front and more power," said the Liverpool boss.
"Torres has pace and can create chances for himself. That makes a big difference.
"I am also pleased with Kuyt because of his understanding with Torres and the way he is working with the midfielders.
"Harry was another big player for us against Marseille. He is training well and playing well.
"I have a lot of confidence in all my players. I do not rotate me teams, just change them when I think it is necessary."
Benitez is pleased with the progress his side are making as he prepares to meet co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks this weekend.
He said: "We are closer to the other top teams than before as we have eight more points than last season.
"We are also gaining in experience and that brings quality and character to your side. You need those skills when you face a team like United."
Torres has already embraced the work ethic during his short time on Merseyside.
He told liverpoolfc.tv: "While it would be really nice to finish up as top scorer, it is more important that Liverpool do really well.
"There are exciting new challenges every day and I am happy with that.
"I had been told long before signing that this club is a living legend, full of history - and it is true."
