Rangers confirm return of Rafael Benitez as new manager and Barry Ferguson replacement

Rafael Benitez is one name reportedly on the lips of Rangers’ would-be US owners with the Gers on the brink of an Ibrox takeover.

The former Valencia, Liverpool and Real Madrid gaffer is one of the most high-profile out of work managers around ever since leaving Celta Vigo last year.

Reports have suggested that those leading the Rangers takeover have discussed Benitez as a potential solution to the club’s issues in the managerial position.

But should Rangers make any interest in Rafael Benitez concrete, it wouldn’t be the first time the legendary 64-year-old manager has taken charge of a team at Ibrox.

Rafael Benitez’s thumping win at Ibrox

During Rafael Benitez’s time at Liverpool, the Spanish manager took a star-studded Reds team to Ibrox for a pre-season friendly.

Back in August 2008, Benitez pitted his wits against legendary Rangers manager Walter Smith and recorded a resounding 4-0 pre-season friendly victory in Glasgow.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was also involved as 50k Gers fans watched a talented Liverpool team run riot at Ibrox.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the match during a tight first half but in the second period the Gers went on to unravel.

David N’Gog scored his first goal in a Liverpool jersey before Youssi Benayoun made it three just minutes later.

Xabi Alonso would complete the rout with a 70th minute penalty with Rafael Benitez leaving Glasgow a comfortable winner with Liverpool.

Rangers team: McGregor, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Thomson, Novo, McCulloch, Miller, Broadfoot, Lafferty, Whittaker.

Subs: Alexander, Boyd, Adam, Darcheville, Webster, Dailly, Bougherra, Velicka, Furman

Liverpool team: Cavalieri, Dossena, Skrtel, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Plessis, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Kuyt, Carragher

Subs: Reina, Hyypia, Agger, Darby, Alonso, Pennant, Spearing, Meneth, Ngog, Insua

Next Rangers manager race heats up

Rafael Benitez might be the most headline-grabbing name to be linked to the Rangers manager’s gig this week.