PHIL NEVILLE believes Rafael Benitez is wasting his time trying to outwit “the king” of mind games Sir Alex Ferguson.

And the Everton skipper hopes Liverpool will be distracted by their manager’s war of words ahead of the forthcoming derby double-header.

Liverpool manager Benitez has become embroiled in a psychological battle with Manchester United counterpart Ferguson as the two clubs scrap for supremacy at the top of the Premier League.

United will be keen for Everton to do them a favour on Monday by earning a first win at Anfield in almost a decade.

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at struggling Stoke City at the weekend, and asked whether the league leaders will be hampered by Benitez’s outbursts, Neville said: “I hope so, but I doubt it in terms of the mind games.

“But I think these things are absolutely brilliant for football – it’s what sets our league apart from any other league in the world.

“You don’t see Spanish La Liga managers doing things like that. It’s fantastic viewing from the outside and it’s going to be a fantastic end to the season I’m sure.”

And Neville sent a warning to Benitez that he is taking on an unbeatable foe in his former manager Ferguson.

“I don’t think you can beat Sir Alex at mind games,” he added. “Experience is a great thing and when you’re going for titles you need experience and he’s the king.”