Several Italian newspapers claimed the Spaniard had agreed terms to take over at the Turin giants in the summer.
But in a statement, Benitez, 49, sought to quash the continued speculation.
"Contrary to reports in the Italian media this weekend, I want to make it absolutely clear I have no agreement with Juventus," Benitez said.
"I have not and will not be meeting Juventus or their representatives or any other club.
"I have a long-term contract with Liverpool and I'll repeat what I said on Friday that I am happy here and my only focus is to do my job as well as I can to get the team back into to the top four, beginning with the derby against Everton."
Reports in Italy on Sunday said Benitez had made a verbal agreement with Juventus about taking over in June.
Got_better
It was claimed that officials from the Turin club were in talks with Benitez's lawyers, who would then negotiate his release from his contract at Liverpool, which runs until 2014.
The Italian side sacked manager Ciro Ferrara on Friday and appointed Alberto Zaccheroni as caretaker until the end of the season.
Benitez had previously refused to rule out the switch, admitting on Friday that he was "proud" to be linked to Juventus.
Sunday's statement gives Liverpool fans more clarity about their manager's thinking, just as results appear to be improving.
The 2-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday was the Reds' sixth straight league game without defeat, suggesting the Spaniard may yet come good on his much-maligned "guarantee" of a top-four finish.
However, he remains under pressure following early exits from the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup and the failure to mount a title challenge.
The Reds, currently 13 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea, host Merseyside rivals Everton on Saturday.
2010年1月31日星期日
GRANT CAN`T RULE OUT MORE DEPARTURES
Avram Grant admits he cannot guarantee there will be no more departures from Portsmouth on Monday.
Grant was furious on Friday when he discovered Younes Kaboul and Asmir Begovic had been offered to Tottenham behind his back.
The Begovic deal subsequently collapsed but with Kaboul now at White Hart Lane, Pompey's already slim chances of avoiding relegation have taken yet another nosedive.
With only loan players an option following the partial lifting of the transfer embargo by the Premier League last week, the chaotic state of life at Fratton Park has been laid bare for all to see.
And, after watching his side turn in a spirited performance but ultimately lose 2-0 at Manchester City on Sunday, Grant confirmed he has no idea what Monday will bring.
"I cannot clarify anything because it is changing every hour," he told BBC TV's Match of the Day.
"I don't think we will lose any more players but I didn't think players would leave before and we lost one of our best, so I cannot guarantee it."
Grant was cryptic when it came to his own position, although it seems the former Chelsea boss is committed to trying to steer Portsmouth through this hugely troubling time.
Wages are due to be paid on Monday - a day late - out of the £6million they are said to be receiving from Kaboul.
But the threat of administration hangs over the cash-strapped south coast outfit and Grant knows anything is possible in the battle to survive.
"We need to do something to ensure the club will survive," he said.
"The club is important. It is a city with a team. It is not like in London where they have teams with a city.
"Portsmouth belongs to the people and we need to do everything because they are good for English football."
Grant will prepare his side for Wednesday's visit to Fulham knowing a trip to title contenders Manchester United is looming next weekend.
And, for now at least, he is determined to deflect attention away from himself.
"It is not good we lost players. I am not happy with it. I don't like it. But what can I do?" he said. "This is the situation.
"I am not the issue. The issue is the club and this city. As long as I am here I will do everything that I can.
"Who knows how long I will be here? Nobody does How long will Roberto Mancini be at Manchester City. This is the life of a manager.
"I came here to build something. I am still trying to do it. We can either give up or fight. And I am not giving up."
Grant was furious on Friday when he discovered Younes Kaboul and Asmir Begovic had been offered to Tottenham behind his back.
The Begovic deal subsequently collapsed but with Kaboul now at White Hart Lane, Pompey's already slim chances of avoiding relegation have taken yet another nosedive.
With only loan players an option following the partial lifting of the transfer embargo by the Premier League last week, the chaotic state of life at Fratton Park has been laid bare for all to see.
And, after watching his side turn in a spirited performance but ultimately lose 2-0 at Manchester City on Sunday, Grant confirmed he has no idea what Monday will bring.
"I cannot clarify anything because it is changing every hour," he told BBC TV's Match of the Day.
"I don't think we will lose any more players but I didn't think players would leave before and we lost one of our best, so I cannot guarantee it."
Grant was cryptic when it came to his own position, although it seems the former Chelsea boss is committed to trying to steer Portsmouth through this hugely troubling time.
Wages are due to be paid on Monday - a day late - out of the £6million they are said to be receiving from Kaboul.
But the threat of administration hangs over the cash-strapped south coast outfit and Grant knows anything is possible in the battle to survive.
"We need to do something to ensure the club will survive," he said.
"The club is important. It is a city with a team. It is not like in London where they have teams with a city.
"Portsmouth belongs to the people and we need to do everything because they are good for English football."
Grant will prepare his side for Wednesday's visit to Fulham knowing a trip to title contenders Manchester United is looming next weekend.
And, for now at least, he is determined to deflect attention away from himself.
"It is not good we lost players. I am not happy with it. I don't like it. But what can I do?" he said. "This is the situation.
"I am not the issue. The issue is the club and this city. As long as I am here I will do everything that I can.
"Who knows how long I will be here? Nobody does How long will Roberto Mancini be at Manchester City. This is the life of a manager.
"I came here to build something. I am still trying to do it. We can either give up or fight. And I am not giving up."
Blues hit back to earn their Spurs
Liam Ridgewell scored an injury-time equaliser to salvage a point for Birmingham as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham at St Andrew's on Saturday. Jermain Defoe had looked to have put Spurs on course for a double over Blues and condemn them to a second defeat in four days.
But Ridgewell popped up in the dying seconds to rescue a share of the spoils for the home side.
The visitors were the better side for long periods with David Bentley impressing on the right wing and full-back Gareth Bale getting forward on the opposite flank to good effect.
And the poor finishing of City striker Christian Benitez highlighted why Alex McLeish is in the market for a striker, with Spurs' Roman Pavlyuchenko remaining top of his wish list.
But Birmingham this season have had that never-say-die quality about their performances - and it surfaced again.
Blues leading scorer Lee Bowyer had a good chance to open the scoring after four minutes.
James McFadden linked up well with Benitez before playing the ball into the path of the midfielder 15 yards out.
But Bowyer did not make a full contact with his low drive and Heurelho Gomes was able to save away to his right.
A mistake by Bowyer almost proved costly after his loose pass was seized onto by Bentley.
His shot was blocked by Liam Ridgewell but the rebound fell invitingly to Luka Modric who would have been disappointed to screw his shot past the far post.
McLeish seemed unhappy with the way his side had started judging by the verbal volley he aimed at his players who were guilty of some casual and sloppy play.
But Birmingham squandered another good opening on the counter-attack with Benitez this time guilty of some poor finishing.
Cameron Jerome created the chance and then Benitez found himself with only Gomes to beat after turning inside Michael Dawson.
But he fired a low weak drive straight at the Brazilian keeper when he could have picked his spot.
Bentley continued to pose a threat to the home side and he went past Ridgewell before unleashing a fierce shot from a narrow angle which Hart turned aside for a corner.
Birmingham forced a trio of corners in quick succession and the third of them from McFadden flew right across the six yard box but no-one was able to apply a finishing touch.
Tottenham began the second half on the offensive and Hart went down to his left to smother a shot from Bentley 12 yards out and was able to gather the rebound.
Crouch missed Spurs' best chance of the game to date after 52 minutes.
Defoe was released by Wilson Palacios and then slightly miscontrolled the ball, but it fell invitingly to Crouch who stabbed a weak effort wide.
Johnson became the first player to be yellow carded after 57 minutes for showing dissent towards a referee's assistant.
Then Palacios was booked for bringing down Bowyer on the edge of the Spurs box
The cautions were now coming thick and fast with Bowyer going into the notebook for a lunge at Palacios.
Tottenham's pressure finally paid off after 69 minutes when Bale's centre was flicked on by Crouch - and Defoe did the rest from close range.
Birmingham tried to retaliate and Benitez beat the offside trap to find himself clear of the Spurs defence.
But the Ecuador international opted to cut back inside and, by the time he elected to shoot, Spurs had enough players back to block his shot.
Defoe was booked for deliberate handball as the home side tried to build up some momentum.
McFadden sliced a shot wide after a deflected drive from Jerome had fallen into his path.
Then in injury time Ridgewell equalised for City after Jerome had headed a McFadden centre back across goal.
But Ridgewell popped up in the dying seconds to rescue a share of the spoils for the home side.
The visitors were the better side for long periods with David Bentley impressing on the right wing and full-back Gareth Bale getting forward on the opposite flank to good effect.
And the poor finishing of City striker Christian Benitez highlighted why Alex McLeish is in the market for a striker, with Spurs' Roman Pavlyuchenko remaining top of his wish list.
But Birmingham this season have had that never-say-die quality about their performances - and it surfaced again.
Blues leading scorer Lee Bowyer had a good chance to open the scoring after four minutes.
James McFadden linked up well with Benitez before playing the ball into the path of the midfielder 15 yards out.
But Bowyer did not make a full contact with his low drive and Heurelho Gomes was able to save away to his right.
A mistake by Bowyer almost proved costly after his loose pass was seized onto by Bentley.
His shot was blocked by Liam Ridgewell but the rebound fell invitingly to Luka Modric who would have been disappointed to screw his shot past the far post.
McLeish seemed unhappy with the way his side had started judging by the verbal volley he aimed at his players who were guilty of some casual and sloppy play.
But Birmingham squandered another good opening on the counter-attack with Benitez this time guilty of some poor finishing.
Cameron Jerome created the chance and then Benitez found himself with only Gomes to beat after turning inside Michael Dawson.
But he fired a low weak drive straight at the Brazilian keeper when he could have picked his spot.
Bentley continued to pose a threat to the home side and he went past Ridgewell before unleashing a fierce shot from a narrow angle which Hart turned aside for a corner.
Birmingham forced a trio of corners in quick succession and the third of them from McFadden flew right across the six yard box but no-one was able to apply a finishing touch.
Tottenham began the second half on the offensive and Hart went down to his left to smother a shot from Bentley 12 yards out and was able to gather the rebound.
Crouch missed Spurs' best chance of the game to date after 52 minutes.
Defoe was released by Wilson Palacios and then slightly miscontrolled the ball, but it fell invitingly to Crouch who stabbed a weak effort wide.
Johnson became the first player to be yellow carded after 57 minutes for showing dissent towards a referee's assistant.
Then Palacios was booked for bringing down Bowyer on the edge of the Spurs box
The cautions were now coming thick and fast with Bowyer going into the notebook for a lunge at Palacios.
Tottenham's pressure finally paid off after 69 minutes when Bale's centre was flicked on by Crouch - and Defoe did the rest from close range.
Birmingham tried to retaliate and Benitez beat the offside trap to find himself clear of the Spurs defence.
But the Ecuador international opted to cut back inside and, by the time he elected to shoot, Spurs had enough players back to block his shot.
Defoe was booked for deliberate handball as the home side tried to build up some momentum.
McFadden sliced a shot wide after a deflected drive from Jerome had fallen into his path.
Then in injury time Ridgewell equalised for City after Jerome had headed a McFadden centre back across goal.
Villarreal sack Valverde
The Primera Liga outfit announced that they had parted company with their boss shortly after Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Osasuna.
That setback leaves the Yellow Submarines ninth in the Spanish top flight, eight points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places.
Valverde was only appointed at El Madrigal over the summer, stepping into the void created by Manuel Pellegrini's defection to Real Madrid.
He has, however, lasted just seven months in the post after failing to impress the club's board.
Valverde has previously worked at Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol and Olympiakos.
That setback leaves the Yellow Submarines ninth in the Spanish top flight, eight points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places.
Valverde was only appointed at El Madrigal over the summer, stepping into the void created by Manuel Pellegrini's defection to Real Madrid.
He has, however, lasted just seven months in the post after failing to impress the club's board.
Valverde has previously worked at Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol and Olympiakos.
GRANT CAN`T RULE OUT MORE DEPARTURES
Avram Grant admits he cannot guarantee there will be no more departures from Portsmouth on Monday.
Grant was furious on Friday when he discovered Younes Kaboul and Asmir Begovic had been offered to Tottenham behind his back.
The Begovic deal subsequently collapsed but with Kaboul now at White Hart Lane, Pompey's already slim chances of avoiding relegation have taken yet another nosedive.
With only loan players an option following the partial lifting of the transfer embargo by the Premier League last week, the chaotic state of life at Fratton Park has been laid bare for all to see.
And, after watching his side turn in a spirited performance but ultimately lose 2-0 at Manchester City on Sunday, Grant confirmed he has no idea what Monday will bring.
"I cannot clarify anything because it is changing every hour," he told BBC TV's Match of the Day.
"I don't think we will lose any more players but I didn't think players would leave before and we lost one of our best, so I cannot guarantee it."
Grant was cryptic when it came to his own position, although it seems the former Chelsea boss is committed to trying to steer Portsmouth through this hugely troubling time.
Wages are due to be paid on Monday - a day late - out of the £6million they are said to be receiving from Kaboul.
But the threat of administration hangs over the cash-strapped south coast outfit and Grant knows anything is possible in the battle to survive.
"We need to do something to ensure the club will survive," he said.
"The club is important. It is a city with a team. It is not like in London where they have teams with a city.
"Portsmouth belongs to the people and we need to do everything because they are good for English football."
Grant will prepare his side for Wednesday's visit to Fulham knowing a trip to title contenders Manchester United is looming next weekend.
And, for now at least, he is determined to deflect attention away from himself.
"It is not good we lost players. I am not happy with it. I don't like it. But what can I do?" he said. "This is the situation.
"I am not the issue. The issue is the club and this city. As long as I am here I will do everything that I can.
"Who knows how long I will be here? Nobody does How long will Roberto Mancini be at Manchester City. This is the life of a manager.
"I came here to build something. I am still trying to do it. We can either give up or fight. And I am not giving up."
Wayne Rooney not for sale at any price - Man Utd
Wayne Rooney not for sale at any price - Man Utd
Rooney's current Old Trafford contract expires in 2012
Striker Wayne Rooney is not for sale at any price, Manchester United chief executive David Gill told BBC Sport.
Rooney is in brilliant form with 21 goals this season which could trigger an offer from Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid said to be interested.
But Gill told BBC 5 live Sportsweek: "Unless Alex agreed to it, we would not accept an offer, regardless of the value, for a player we want to keep."
Gill said they had a 35m Euro bid for France striker Karim Benzema refused.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been tracking the talented 22-year-old for months but saw his offer rejected by Lyon, who accepted a 41m Euro bid by Spanish giants Real Madrid in July 2009.
"We didn't get Benzema but we did offer 35m Euros," said Gill.
Man Utd chief executive David Gill
"It was just one phone call to the States saying we would like to make an offer for him 35m Euros and they said 'fine'. We did it, but he went to Real for something like over 40m Euros.
"But Alex has gone on record saying that was too much."
Gill also alleviated fears that United's owners, the Glazer family, would sell Old Trafford or the club's Carrington training ground.
A prospectus circulated to potential investors prior to the club's £504m bond issue last week suggested Carrington could be sold to a holding company controlled by the Glazer family and leased back to the club.
But Gill said: "I am 100% convinced that will never happen under Glazer family ownership. The sale and leaseback opportunity within the bond document is done for financial and tax planning. Manchester United Limited continue to have complete control of Carrington."
The bond issue allowed the club to pay off nearly all their outstanding bank debts of £509m, although the debts of the club's parent firm, Red Football Joint Venture, rose to £716.5m in the year to June 2009.
While the club now faces an annual interest bill of £45m a year, Gill said the club has no financial reasons to sell their prized assets, including Rooney, who is enjoying his best form for United since his £25m move from Everton in 2004.
"Wayne has a contract through until 2012," said Gill. "He has gone on record to say he wants to stay and we want him to stay.
"I'm sure that will be addressed in the close season. We hope that would be the case as we want to put him on a new, long-term contract. He's 24 and got the best years of his life ahead of him.
"Very few players, particularly UK-based players, want to leave Manchester United."
And Gill's pledge to keep hold of Rooney, was backed up by the player himself who spoke of his desire to remain at United.
"This is my club and I'm very happy here," said Rooney.
"My family live 30 minutes away. I'm perfectly happy and there is no reason to play my football anywhere else. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world."
Gill stressed that United's debts of £500m are a "misconception" because the club has about £140m in cash available, over half of which was generated by Cristiano Ronaldo's world record £80m transfer from United to Real Madrid last summer.
And he confirmed manager Sir Alex Ferguson can spend all £80m on new players, should he wish to expand the squad.
"I'm sure if he needed that money, it would be spent," said Gill, who oversaw the arrival of defender Chris Smalling from Fulham for about £7m on Thursday.
"From my own personal perspective, we have no doubt that they (the Glazers) would support whatever we require.
"They will only get value back by ensuring the team continues to be successful, continues to attract exciting players and continues to produce results off the pitch.
"The Glazer family bought (American football team) the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995 and 15 years later, they still own that - they are in it for the long-term."
While Gill reiterated the Glazers' commitment to the club, supporters are planning a 10-minute boycott of the Champions League last 16 match against AC Milan on 10 March.
Concerned by the debt the club has accumulated under the Glazers, a number of fans plan to enter the ground 10 minutes after kick-off to expose empty seats at the ground with millions of people watching around the world.
Hargo_Returns (LUHG)
But Gill believes any protest would be counterproductive on a night when United will be bidding to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
"I would appeal to the fans to be sensible and get behind the team," he added.
"We are a very well-run club and, given what's happening at other clubs, people should be proud of what's happening at Manchester United.
However, Manchester United Supporters' Trust chief executive Duncan Drasdo said he was unsatisfied with Gill's assurances, adding that they left many questions unanswered.
"I think there was a lot of window dressing there," Drasdo told BBC Sport.
"The key point here is, how much money are the Glazers putting into Manchester United versus how much they are taking out. The answer is they are putting none in and taking a hell of a lot out.
"The key to the bond issue is that it has opened the door to Manchester United's vault and now the Glazers can drive in with a fork-lift truck and load up cash.
"They could take up to £130m out of the club in the first year and up to £500m in the seven years of the bond issue.
"They are leaching huge amounts of money from our football club - money that fans are paying through huge increases in ticket prices.
"How much money are the Glazers taking out of Manchester United, wasting on interest fess, banking fees, hedging of interest rates.
"How much are they taking out for their personal companies in management fees? That would be the interesting question I would like answered."
REAL ZARAGOZA SIGN EDMILSON
Real Zaragoza have continued their major recruitment drive during the January transfer window with the signing of Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson.
Edmilson, who has won more than 40 caps for his country and was part of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad, has penned an initial five-month contract with Zaragoza with the option of a further season.
The 33-year-old midfielder has plenty of experience of the Primera Division having spent four seasons at Barcelona and another at Villarreal prior to returning to his homeland with Palmeiras last year.
He becomes the seventh new arrival at Zaragoza since the start of the month, following Matteo Contini, Roberto Jimenez, Adrian Colunga, Humberto Suazo, Jiri Jarosik and Eliseu.
Zaragoza climbed one place to 18th today after defeating fellow strugglers Tenerife 3-1, with Colunga and Suazo both on the mark.
Edmilson, who has won more than 40 caps for his country and was part of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad, has penned an initial five-month contract with Zaragoza with the option of a further season.
The 33-year-old midfielder has plenty of experience of the Primera Division having spent four seasons at Barcelona and another at Villarreal prior to returning to his homeland with Palmeiras last year.
He becomes the seventh new arrival at Zaragoza since the start of the month, following Matteo Contini, Roberto Jimenez, Adrian Colunga, Humberto Suazo, Jiri Jarosik and Eliseu.
Zaragoza climbed one place to 18th today after defeating fellow strugglers Tenerife 3-1, with Colunga and Suazo both on the mark.
Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd
Manchester United outclassed Arsenal at the Emirates to maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea - and brutally expose Arsene Wenger's title ambitions.
Sir Alex Ferguson's champions unleashed a devastating display of sweeping, counter-attacking football inspired by the brilliance of Wayne Rooney and Nani.
Wenger had outlined the importance of the meeting with United in the context of the battle to win the Premier League, and by the final whistle saw his hopes placed in painful perspective by a masterful United.
MUFC 1902
United now stand only one point behind Chelsea having played a game more, but the manner of this victory will send out the message that no-one will find it easy to wrest the title away from Ferguson's side.
Nani, so long a figure of frustration at Old Trafford, has rarely performed with more threat and finesse than he did in the first 45 minutes here as he ran Gael Clichy ragged and ensured United had established a two-goal lead by the interval.
He baffled Arsenal with a stunning piece of trickery that forced uncertain Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia to turn his cross into his own net after 33 minutes and then set up Rooney's 100th Premier League goal four minutes later.
Best performance of the season - Rooney
United caught Arsenal cold as they turned defence into attack, Rooney sprinting from just outside his own area to take a return pass from Park and finish in style.
Ji-Sung Park graphically illustrated the gulf between Arsenal and United just after half-time when he took advantage of a path lack of resistance to run unchallenged from inside his own half to beat Almunia.
Thomas Vermaelen's deflected shot late on set up an Arsenal rally of sorts, but the scoreline barely reflects United's superiority as they gave the Gunners a painful lesson in ruthless, cutting edge football.
United boss Ferguson opted for Nani ahead of £15m summer signing Antonio Valencia - and the success of the decision was probably beyond all his expectations as the Portuguese winger tortured Arsenal.
Andrey Arshavin offered early optimism for Arsenal's fans with a couple of trademark twisting runs and shots off target - but they turned out to be a false dawn as United soon moved into a different class to Arsenal.
The belief is there - Phelan
William Gallas needed to make timely interventions as United's crisp passing threatened to carve United open, with Nani the primary source of danger as he proved simply too fast and too clever for Clichy.
And when Nani helped fashion United's opener after 33 minutes, it was the signal for a blistering passage of play that saw Arsenal's hopes of getting anything from such a crucial game disintegrate.
Nani tricked his way past Cesc Fabregas into the area with sleight of foot worthy of his celebrated former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, although Almunia should have done a lot better than palm the ball in with a feeble attempt at clearance.
United topped that for quality four minutes later with a goal that, for Arsenal, bore the grim hallmarks of Ronaldo's third goal in the Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates last season.
Rooney, not far from the edge of his own penalty area, released the rampaging Nani down the right-flank, and arrived at the other end of the pitch on cue to drill a low finish past Almunia and send Ferguson out of his technical area and along the touchline in sheer delight.
Arsenal were not in the game - Wenger
Nani should have made it three when Rooney found him unmarked at the far post, but his goalbound shot took a crucial touch of Vermaelen that went undetected by referee Chris Foy and flew wide.
If Arsenal had any hope of mounting a fightback they were emphatically snuffed out seven minutes after the interval in a manner that would have been as embarrassing for Wenger as it was satisfying for Ferguson.
Park ran from just inside his own half, free from any Arsenal challenge, and accepted what was almost an open invitation to slip the simplest of finishes past the exposed Almunia.
Vermaelen gave the discontented Arsenal fans a moment of cheer after 80 minutes when his shot was deflected out of the reach of Edwin van der Sar by Jonny Evans - and there were even further opportunities to set up the unlikely prospect of a thrilling finale.
Gallas headed wide of an open goal and Vermaelen saw a shot blocked by Patrice Evra, but Rooney displayed a rare moment of fallibility by wasting the opportunity to give the score a more realistic appearance, shooting wide in stoppage time.
Sir Alex Ferguson's champions unleashed a devastating display of sweeping, counter-attacking football inspired by the brilliance of Wayne Rooney and Nani.
Wenger had outlined the importance of the meeting with United in the context of the battle to win the Premier League, and by the final whistle saw his hopes placed in painful perspective by a masterful United.
MUFC 1902
United now stand only one point behind Chelsea having played a game more, but the manner of this victory will send out the message that no-one will find it easy to wrest the title away from Ferguson's side.
Nani, so long a figure of frustration at Old Trafford, has rarely performed with more threat and finesse than he did in the first 45 minutes here as he ran Gael Clichy ragged and ensured United had established a two-goal lead by the interval.
He baffled Arsenal with a stunning piece of trickery that forced uncertain Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia to turn his cross into his own net after 33 minutes and then set up Rooney's 100th Premier League goal four minutes later.
Best performance of the season - Rooney
United caught Arsenal cold as they turned defence into attack, Rooney sprinting from just outside his own area to take a return pass from Park and finish in style.
Ji-Sung Park graphically illustrated the gulf between Arsenal and United just after half-time when he took advantage of a path lack of resistance to run unchallenged from inside his own half to beat Almunia.
Thomas Vermaelen's deflected shot late on set up an Arsenal rally of sorts, but the scoreline barely reflects United's superiority as they gave the Gunners a painful lesson in ruthless, cutting edge football.
United boss Ferguson opted for Nani ahead of £15m summer signing Antonio Valencia - and the success of the decision was probably beyond all his expectations as the Portuguese winger tortured Arsenal.
Andrey Arshavin offered early optimism for Arsenal's fans with a couple of trademark twisting runs and shots off target - but they turned out to be a false dawn as United soon moved into a different class to Arsenal.
The belief is there - Phelan
William Gallas needed to make timely interventions as United's crisp passing threatened to carve United open, with Nani the primary source of danger as he proved simply too fast and too clever for Clichy.
And when Nani helped fashion United's opener after 33 minutes, it was the signal for a blistering passage of play that saw Arsenal's hopes of getting anything from such a crucial game disintegrate.
Nani tricked his way past Cesc Fabregas into the area with sleight of foot worthy of his celebrated former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, although Almunia should have done a lot better than palm the ball in with a feeble attempt at clearance.
United topped that for quality four minutes later with a goal that, for Arsenal, bore the grim hallmarks of Ronaldo's third goal in the Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates last season.
Rooney, not far from the edge of his own penalty area, released the rampaging Nani down the right-flank, and arrived at the other end of the pitch on cue to drill a low finish past Almunia and send Ferguson out of his technical area and along the touchline in sheer delight.
Arsenal were not in the game - Wenger
Nani should have made it three when Rooney found him unmarked at the far post, but his goalbound shot took a crucial touch of Vermaelen that went undetected by referee Chris Foy and flew wide.
If Arsenal had any hope of mounting a fightback they were emphatically snuffed out seven minutes after the interval in a manner that would have been as embarrassing for Wenger as it was satisfying for Ferguson.
Park ran from just inside his own half, free from any Arsenal challenge, and accepted what was almost an open invitation to slip the simplest of finishes past the exposed Almunia.
Vermaelen gave the discontented Arsenal fans a moment of cheer after 80 minutes when his shot was deflected out of the reach of Edwin van der Sar by Jonny Evans - and there were even further opportunities to set up the unlikely prospect of a thrilling finale.
Gallas headed wide of an open goal and Vermaelen saw a shot blocked by Patrice Evra, but Rooney displayed a rare moment of fallibility by wasting the opportunity to give the score a more realistic appearance, shooting wide in stoppage time.
Ligue 1 round-up
Elsewhere, Valenciennes were held at home as they remain stuck in the midst of mid-table and Lyon came from behind to see off PSG.
Auxerre are now just a point adrift of the UEFA Champions League places after they saw off St Etienne 1-0.
Jean-Pascal Mignot grabbed the only goal of the game against the Ligue 1 strugglers after 77 minutes.
Paris St Germain paid the price for disciplinary troubles as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at Lyon.
The capital giants took the lead at Stade Gerland through Mevlut Erdine's ninth minute strike.
The game turned in favour of the hosts, though, on 59 minutes when Mamadou Sakho was shown a straight red card for handball.
Lyon took full advantage of their numerical advantage as Bafetimbi Gomis (76) and Cris (82) turned the tie on its head.
Valenciennes have now taken only one win from their last seven fixtures after being held 1-1 by Sochaux.
Johan Audel fired them in front after 20 minutes at Stade Nungesser but Damien Perquis levelled for the visitors eight minutes into the second half.
Auxerre are now just a point adrift of the UEFA Champions League places after they saw off St Etienne 1-0.
Jean-Pascal Mignot grabbed the only goal of the game against the Ligue 1 strugglers after 77 minutes.
Paris St Germain paid the price for disciplinary troubles as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at Lyon.
The capital giants took the lead at Stade Gerland through Mevlut Erdine's ninth minute strike.
The game turned in favour of the hosts, though, on 59 minutes when Mamadou Sakho was shown a straight red card for handball.
Lyon took full advantage of their numerical advantage as Bafetimbi Gomis (76) and Cris (82) turned the tie on its head.
Valenciennes have now taken only one win from their last seven fixtures after being held 1-1 by Sochaux.
Johan Audel fired them in front after 20 minutes at Stade Nungesser but Damien Perquis levelled for the visitors eight minutes into the second half.
McBreen pleases winners and losers
Daniel McBreen's current and future A-League coaches were both high on the striker after his brace on Sunday and Perth Glory boss Dave Mitchell believes he's ready for the Socceroos.
McBreen has scored four goals in four matches with the Glory since crossing from North Queensland and his Sunday double helped Perth to a 3-1 win over Central Coast and into the finals.
Mitchell has been tremendously impressed over the past month but was just as pleased that Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna allowed McBreen to sign for the short stint before joining Central Coast next season.
"He's a fantastic player and, based on the performances, we would be certainly recommending him to Pim Verbeek as a target man," Mitchell said.
"He's unselfish, works hard, holds the ball up well and scores goals. As a big target man for the national team, I'd give him a big tick.
"Credit goes to Lawrie as well because when negotiations were going on with Daniel about coming here he ran it by Lawrie and he said it was no problem."
McKinna's long-term signing was certainly shown to be a good one on Sunday and McKinna was pleased with McBreen's performance, even at the Mariners' expense.
"If Daniel had not put in at a hundred per cent effort I would have been disappointed in the boy because the reason we signed him has been for his good work," McKinna said.
The arrival of McBreen and Steve McGarry, plus the expected retention of Socceroos trio Mile Sterjovski, Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne, has given Mitchell the best depth he's ever had and he's delighted to have Perth in the finals for the first time.
"This is the best I've seen it with the depth in the squad and that's regenerated with the really good players we've got within the club now. We went out and targeted certain players who we were able to get," Mitchell said.
"That has generated with the team in the finals now and that's great for the club and supporters."
McBreen has scored four goals in four matches with the Glory since crossing from North Queensland and his Sunday double helped Perth to a 3-1 win over Central Coast and into the finals.
Mitchell has been tremendously impressed over the past month but was just as pleased that Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna allowed McBreen to sign for the short stint before joining Central Coast next season.
"He's a fantastic player and, based on the performances, we would be certainly recommending him to Pim Verbeek as a target man," Mitchell said.
"He's unselfish, works hard, holds the ball up well and scores goals. As a big target man for the national team, I'd give him a big tick.
"Credit goes to Lawrie as well because when negotiations were going on with Daniel about coming here he ran it by Lawrie and he said it was no problem."
McKinna's long-term signing was certainly shown to be a good one on Sunday and McKinna was pleased with McBreen's performance, even at the Mariners' expense.
"If Daniel had not put in at a hundred per cent effort I would have been disappointed in the boy because the reason we signed him has been for his good work," McKinna said.
The arrival of McBreen and Steve McGarry, plus the expected retention of Socceroos trio Mile Sterjovski, Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne, has given Mitchell the best depth he's ever had and he's delighted to have Perth in the finals for the first time.
"This is the best I've seen it with the depth in the squad and that's regenerated with the really good players we've got within the club now. We went out and targeted certain players who we were able to get," Mitchell said.
"That has generated with the team in the finals now and that's great for the club and supporters."
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