Man United boss Ferguson calls for calm ahead of Liverpool clash

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident football will be the only winner when Manchester United take on Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

The two sides meet for the first time since the controversy surrounding Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra back in October, which resulted in the Uruguayan striker being banned for eight games after being found guilty of using racist language.

But Ferguson has called on both the players and the fans to concentrate on the game instead of the recent history between the clubs.

“It is a massive game for both clubs. There is a tremendous profile on it,” he said. “I am confident. We want to talk about the game of football. It is something you want to look forward to. That is what I intend to do.

“Our fans were terrific there this season. As Steven Gerrard said yesterday, there is a responsibility on the players to behave properly and also both sets of fans. We want to make sure we are talking about the game, nothing else.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has echoed Ferguson’s sentiments. “We all have a responsibility on Saturday to ensure that this game is remembered for the football,” said Gerrard.

“Liverpool and Manchester United is a massive rivalry and of course there is going to be stuff in the papers and banter between fans, but it would be fantastic if after the weekend it is remembered for being a top game and obviously, from our point of view, a Liverpool win.

“We don’t want any front page stories from this game or any stories besides a football match between two top sides.”