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Sir Alex Ferguson has pleaded with travelling Manchester United supporters to be on their best behaviour at Anfield on Sunday.

Manchester United and Liverpool games often bring out the worst in both sets of supporters, but as Sunday’s game is the first at Anfield since the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were revealed, it will be an incredibly emotional occasion and Fergie is keen for the rivalries between the clubs to be set aside.

Fergie’s appeal comes after a minority of mindless United supporters sang ‘Always the victim, never your fault’ during the 4-0 win over Wigan at Old Trafford last Saturday and in an effort to prevent repeat behaviour this weekend, travelling fans will be issued with an open letter penned by Ferguson once they pass through the turnstiles at Anfield.

In the letter, Ferguson said that the rivalry between the clubs "cannot and should never be based on personal hatred" and called on the fans "to remember that loss (Hillsborough) and pay tribute to their campaign for justice".

The letter can be read in full below and hopefully the fans will take heed and give the occasion the respect it deserves.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s open letter to Manchester United fans:

"Dear Supporter,

"The great support you gave the team here last season has seen our allocation back up to near-full levels. I want you to continue that progress today.

"But today is about much more than not blocking gangways. Today is about thinking hard about what makes United the best club in the world.

"Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top - a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honour for so long.

"It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred. Just ten days ago, we heard the terrible, damning truth about the deaths of 96 fans who went to watch their team try and reach the FA Cup final and never came back.

"What happened to them should wake the conscience of everyone connected with the game.

"Our great club stands with our great neighbours Liverpool today to remember that loss and pay tribute to their campaign for justice. I know I can count on you to stand with us in the best traditions of the best fans in the game.

"Yours sincerely, Sir Alex Ferguson."