It is the first time the two teams have met since Patrice Evra accused Luis Suarez of racially abusing him.
Ayre told BBC Radio Merseyside: “It is the FA Cup, a great competition in English football and one we have a great history in and we want that to be what everyone focuses on.
“We have massive rivalry with Manchester United but those who are respectful also have respect for them because they are a great footballing side and team and, like us, they have been very successful.”
