Fergie tells fans to show some respect

Ahead of what he calls “the biggest game of the season”, Sir Alex Ferguson has called on Manchester United fans to show Liverpool some respect.

Old Red Nose was referring to past incidents in games between the sides when Red Devils followers have been guilty of singing disgusting chants about the Hillsborough disaster, behaviour that he urged United fans to cut out ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Anfield.

Fans of Liverpool and Leeds amongst others have also been guilty of chanting about the Munich air disaster which affected Manchester United in 1958 and Ferguson is abhorred by the sometimes awful conduct displayed by football fans across the water.

While he didn't go as far as to go all Aretha Franklin and engage in some finger-pointing, he did preach the need for respect amongst rival supporters.

"The history both clubs have should be appreciated by both sets of fans,” said Ferguson.

"That's sometimes annoying when I hear silly chants about Munich, about Hillsborough, I don't think it does either club any good at all because, without each other, there wouldn't be the English league.

"If it came to a stage where fans were banned from each other's ground, it wouldn't really be the same game. We need each other in that respect.

"The respect, in terms of the history of both clubs, should be adhered to and hopefully we can see that because it's a fantastic occasion."

As for matters on the pitch, Ferguson was in no doubt as to the significance of tomorrow’s game in a wider context. Round about now, United and Liverpool fans are getting giddy at the prospect of tomorrow’s high noon showdown on Merseyside, and comments made by the purple-faced one will do little to quell the enthusiasm of both sets of supporters.

"I have always considered it to be the game of the season in English football,” Ferguson added.

"It is all to do with the history of both clubs and cities."

"That (hostility) is never going to change but I think both clubs need each other.