Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson and spend 20 years at the same club - winning trophies all the way. Benitez takes his confident Liverpool to Old Trafford in the Premiership on Sunday for a match already being billed as a showdown for runners-up spot behind runaway leaders Chelsea. Liverpool have suffered just one defeat in 18 games, and victory will see them leapfrog United into second place and stand two points ahead of their north-west rivals with two games in hand. Benitez therefore has much to concentrate his mind in the short term - but he is looking much further ahead too. "I am a great admirer of Sir Alex," he said. "He has done a wonderful job at United for many years. But yes, I would also like to spend 20 years at the same club like he has. "If I could do that at Liverpool it would mean we will have won many trophies. "I am also aware of the criticism Sir Alex has been having recently, and I sympathise. People have very short memories." Benitez is taking nothing for granted this weekend, even though Liverpool are in such outstanding form. "In games like this, you never know what will happen," he said. "For me this is like games between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It doesn't matter who is doing well - the result can be anything. "I do not see this as a form team against one not doing so well. That's nonsense. Manchester United are a very good team with excellent players and a great manager. "It will be very difficult for us there. Old Trafford is a difficult stadium to play in because of the quality and experience of their players. We must do our job well and show them the respect they deserve. "United have many great players, and we must be very aware of all of them. I would like to see an open, attacking game - but because there is so little difference between the sides now, we must expect both teams to be very careful and the game close."