Ferguson: focus on pitch battle
The Anfield showdown will be the first time the two sides have met since October, when Patrice Evra made his racism allegations against Luis Suarez.
Although Liverpool’s immediate reactions in the wake of the guilty verdict that led to Suarez being banned for eight matches left United distinctly unimpressed, the Merseyside giants have now switched their stance completely and warned supporters any racist abuse will not be tolerated.
However, whether that, and a massive security presence, are enough to take the edge off tensions between the rival sets of fans is open to debate.
The long history of animosity between the supporters even extended to an FA Youth Cup tie at Anfield last season and with more than 5,000 fans in attendance, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a section of United’s travelling contingent will look to inflame the situation.
Ferguson has stayed clear of the entire row since his initial confirmation that United would back Evra in whatever action he chose to take.
However, the Scot feels now is the time to try and ensure all the talk is about the game, rather than the issues surrounding it.
“It is a massive game for both clubs,” he said. “There is a tremendous profile on it and will be of interest throughout the country.
“As Steven Gerrard said yesterday, there is a responsibility on the players to behave properly. That is what I expect my players to do.
“Both sets of fans have got to make sure we are talking about the game and nothing else.”
Ferguson has admitted the FA might be hoping the game is settled at the first attempt.
However, the United boss accepts the prospect of an Old Trafford replay, which would take place just days before the two sides are due to meet in the Premier League, and for which Suarez would be available, is probably not too appealing for the game’s authorities.
“It could be a replay,” he said. “That would get the FA going.”
Ferguson claims Liverpool versus United remains his side’s biggest game of the season, even though Manchester City are catching up fast.
“You cannot dismiss the progress City are making completely but at the moment the Liverpool game is still the one,” he said.
“The atmosphere at Anfield is terrific. You can work all your life to a point where you are challenged.
“Our results at Liverpool in the last two or three years have not been great but both clubs will always have their moments but it is such a great rivalry.”
Ferguson flatly refused to speak directly about Evra, or whether he would play.
And if there was an attempt at mind games, it came through his refusal to offer any injury updates, meaning Kenny Dalglish cannot know for certain whether Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand and Nani, whom it has been suggested could be out for a couple of months with the foot injury he picked up at Arsenal, will be involved or not.
Whoever plays, Ferguson is confident his hopes for a peaceful afternoon will be fulfilled.
“I am confident enough,” he said.
“We want to be talking about a game of football. It is a big FA Cup tie. In my time there have not been many FA Cup ties between the clubs.
“It is something you want to look forward to. That is what I intend to do and the players should follow that.”
* Manchester United have won 71 and Liverpool 61 of 183 previous matches, with 51 drawn.
* This is their second meeting this season, having played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League at Anfield.
* It is also the second successive season that these clubs have drawn each other in the FA Cup. The Red Devils won 1-0 in the third round in January. It was the ninth time out of 12 they were successful, including the 1977 and 1996 finals.
* Already Wembley-bound for the Carling Cup final, Liverpool are competing in the fourth round for the first time in three seasons, and are now targeting a place in the last 16 for only the second time since winning the trophy in 2006.
* That trophy-winning run included the last time the Merseyside club knocked out a Premier League club; Chelsea, in the semi-finals.
* Kenny Dalglish’s men have not lost at Anfield in any competition this season (W5, D8).
* The most successful club in FA Cup history (11 times winners and seven times runners-up) are looking for a second successive big-name scalp, having ousted Manchester City in the third round.
* Since being knocked out by Liverpool in 2006, Alex Ferguson’s side have prevailed over fellow top-fight clubs in 13 of the last 17 occasions they have been drawn against them.
* The Red Devils, who reached the last four last season, have failed to qualify for the fifth round once in nine seasons.
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