Ferguson said that he hoped that would be the outcome of a report into the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans at an FA Cup semi final with Nottingham Forest in 1989, which blamed the police.

Liverpool fans have been taunted over the incident by United's support, and visa-versa relating to the Munich plane crash of 1958 which killed a number of United's players at the time.

"I think what will happen for that Liverpool game, there is such a focus on it at the moment, fans will be on their best behaviour.

"It's a moment for those two great clubs to show why they're two great clubs.

"I don't anticipate any problems. There are always opportunities to show your greatness and this is another one. It shouldn't need what's happened during the week to do that."